Police intensify probe into high-rise fire

The Bangalore City Police on Thursday intensified investigation into the causes of Tuesday’s Carlton Towers fire that led to the death of nine persons and hospitalisation of scores.

Their line of inquiry includes possible blocking of corridors and closure of exit doors.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) M. Chandra Sekhar told The Hindu the police are questioning several people associated with the building to find out why thick smoke spread to the upper floors. “We are trying to find out whether there were any deviations after the building was occupied,” he said.

Inaccessibility

The inaccessibility of the corridor connecting the staircases on either side of the building and the wiring system in the duct are also under the police scanner. “We will look into the functioning of the owners’ association which takes care of the maintenance,” he said.

The police are also awaiting reports from the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, the State Electrical Inspectorate and the Forensic Sciences Laboratory.

Source : http://beta.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article113690.ece