25 February,2010 10:27 AM IST | | Madhusudan Maney and Chetan R
Preliminary study reveals fire generated 1,200 degree Celsius heat --u00a012 times the temperature of boiling water
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts revealed yesterday that the Carlton Towers fire radiated 1,200 degree Celsius heat (Water boils at 100 degree Celsius). MiD DAY spoke to the five-member team from the FSL that reached the site of the fire around 9.15 am yesterday and began their preliminary investigations.
"We discovered that the sixth and seventh floors were the worst hit. The smoke had covered the walls, roof and floors completely. Many choked on the smoke on the floors after someone opened the door of an electrical duct on the seventh floor. The smoke which had collected in the duct entered into the floor spread all over," said a member in the FSL team, who discovered that the electrical duct and lifts had completely gutted.
"We have collected samples of cables, wires and insulators from the electrical duct. We have begun our investigations. We can't come to any conclusion at this stage," said yet another member of the team.
While the FSL team wound up investigations at 2.30 pm as they found the light insufficient, they plan to return today to continue their investigation.
