Dresden burned intensely after the bombing and the heat created such a strong draft that people and cars were dragged into the flames. Most died from lack of oxygen, but Bergh also saw people killed by the air pressure from air mines (blockbusters) - they were often naked because the air pressure had torn off their clothes. Bergh saw people reduced to coal and ash by the intense heat.
In the aftermath of the bombing, Dresden was ravaged by intense fires that generated a powerful gust, drawing people and vehicles into the flames. Many died from asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen, while others were killed by the explosive force of air mines, often stripped naked by the extreme pressure.