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Home▶Archive▶Vol. 42 No. 4 (2025)▶A Deadly Hotel Fire Incident: Case Series Of Carbon…
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology ›
Print ISSN 0971-1929 · Online ISSN 0974-4568
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Case Series

A Deadly Hotel Fire Incident: Case Series Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  And Literature Overview

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Senthil Kumaran M — Associate Professor & In-Charge HOD, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Sundaragiri Suraj — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana.
Narsareddy Laxmikanth Reddy — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana
Venkatesh J — Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalyani, West Bengal
Utsav Parekh — Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Gujarat
Published 9 Feb 2026 Vol. 42 No. 4 (2025), pp. 99-104
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2025.42.4.18
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Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant global public health concern, often resulting in severe health conse quences or fatalities. This report examines eight fatal cases of CO poisoning caused by a hotel fire, highlighting the com plexity of CO exposure in fire-related incidents. The fire, originated in a basement used for commercial purposes and  fueled by flammable materials. It rapidly escalated, causing widespread panic and trapping guests due to a sudden power  outage. Post-mortem examinations revealed that all victims exhibited characteristic signs of CO poisoning, including  cherry-red discoloration of tissues, soot in the respiratory tract, and elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels. Histopathological  analysis of lung tissues showed congestion and black pigmentation, consistent with CO exposure. Chemical analysis con firmed significant CO levels in the victims’ blood. This incident underscores the critical need for stringent fire safety  measures, including proper use of building spaces, functional emergency lighting, smoke detectors, and regular safety  inspections. The findings demonstrate that CO poisoning, combined with smoke inhalation, is often more lethal than  burns alone. The study reveals important features in cases of CO poisoning and also emphasizes the need for stricter  adherence to fire safety regulations and improved safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

 

KeywordsCarbon monoxide (CO)CO poisoningCarboxyhemoglobin (COHb)Fire incident

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    Copyright © 2026 Senthil Kumaran M, Sundaragiri Suraj, Narsareddy Laxmikanth Reddy, Venkatesh J, Utsav Parekh (Author)