[1] The number of fatalities was a consequence of the building retaining barred windows, a feature remaining from its previous use as a whisky bond.
[1] The building had previously been used as a whisky bond (a warehouse used for storage before excise duty has been paid) and, in common with many of Glasgow's industrial premises, had seen numerous changes of use.
The previous use of the building involved high security measures including barred windows, meaning that, in the event of a fire, escape could be compromised.
Many attempts were made to enter the building where the employees were believed to be but intense heat drove back the firemen.
[2] The dead found inside the factory were judged to have died due to the inhalation of smoke, the burning of polyurethane foam resulting in poisonous fumes.