There was no mention of any exterior damage while it was still flying...
I was speculating more on the effects of high altitude decompression, not the cause. Sounds like the decompression or loss of oxygen could have been caused by some faulty mechanical device, not external damage. Maybe there was no loss of pressure, but only oxygen deprivation?? There were reports of failure of the a/c systems shortly after take-off.
Brain damage starts very quickly. Any reports of the cruising altitude prior to the crash? Low enough to start reviving unconscious victims??