The congestion and stasis of blood in the lungs, together with the presence of exudates, suggests that the main cause of death in these animals was pulmonary damage. Death from smoke inhalation, on the other hand, would be characterized by extensive deposits of soot in the bronchi and high carbon monoxide levels in the blood. These signs are quite striking, and were noticed by the coroners. With these standards in mind, we can look at the autopsies of the children dying in the bunker. The body of Jane Doe 57 was among the best preserved.
Cause of death is assigned to asphyxia, with no mention of smoke.
Jane Doe 55 is listed as dead due to suffocation. Decomposition prevents analysis of the lungs, but the blood was able to be recovered and is negative for carbon monoxide. This would suggest death before any smoke reached her. Other deceased are likewise listed as dying of suffocation or asphyxia rather than burns and smoke inhalation. Decomposition prevented any detailed examination of the bodies.