What Caused the Deadly Fire at a Hyderabad Furniture Store?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Hyderabad, five lives were lost in a furniture store fire, prompting government action and widespread grief. This heartbreaking story unfolds amidst ongoing rescue operations and serious questions about safety regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Five lives lost in a tragic fire incident in Hyderabad.
- Government announced compensation for the victims' families.
- Investigation points to negligence by the store owner.
- Firefighters battled the blaze for over eight hours.
- Concerns raised about building safety and regulations.
Hyderabad, Jan 25 (NationPress) On Sunday, rescue operatives uncovered five bodies from the debris of a furniture store that erupted in flames the previous day, as reported by the police. The remains were located in the basement of a four-storey structure and subsequently taken to Osmania General Hospital. Following the post-mortem process, the bodies were returned to their families.
The deceased individuals included Mohammed Imtiyaz (27), an employee at the store; Syed Habeeb (28), an auto trolley driver; Beban Bee (55); and two children, Akhil (11) and Praneet (7).
The two children were the sons of watchman Yadaiah, who, alongside his wife, had stepped out for errands. Initially, it was thought that Yadaiah was trapped inside the fire.
Yadaiah’s family resided in the basement, and early investigations indicated that Imtiyaz and Habeeb had entered the cellar to rescue the three others caught in the blaze but ended up getting trapped themselves.
Families of the victims had gathered at the scene, hoping for a miracle, but their expectations were shattered when the rescue team announced no survivors were found.
In response to protests from the victims' relatives, the Telangana government declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each family affected by this tragedy.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced the compensation and promised every possible support to the bereaved families, describing the incident as unfortunate and attributing the blame to negligence on the part of the store owner.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), police, and firefighting teams continued their efforts to search for survivors.
The fire ignited around 1 p.m. within a building situated near Nampally Railway Station in the city’s core on Saturday.
Firefighters managed to control the flames after nearly eight hours of battling the inferno, employing skylifts and robots, although thick smoke significantly hindered rescue operations.
Even after 24 hours, smoke continued to emerge from the building's basement.
The store owner was reportedly using the basement unlawfully for furniture storage. Vikram Man Singh, Director General of Fire Services, informed the media that furniture and chemicals were improperly stored in the cellar without the necessary fire safety clearances.
He speculated that the fire might have been initiated by either a short circuit or a cigarette.
The DG of fire services indicated that a criminal case would be filed against the shop owner, with strict measures to follow.
The fire has left the building, which comprised a ground floor and four upper levels with two basements, severely damaged, particularly the first cellar which was densely filled with furniture.
With concerns regarding the building's structural integrity post-fire, a team of engineering experts from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) was dispatched to evaluate the site. Future decisions regarding the building's demolition will be based on the team's findings.
Point of View
This tragic incident underscores the need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations in commercial establishments. It highlights the pressing concerns surrounding fire safety and the responsibility of business owners to protect their employees and the community. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragic event, and we urge authorities to take swift action to prevent future occurrences.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at the furniture store?
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit or a cigarette, with illegal storage of furniture and chemicals in the basement contributing to the incident.
How many people were affected by the fire?
The fire resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, including two children, with additional individuals potentially at risk during the chaos.
What compensation has been offered to the victims' families?
The Telangana government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each family of the deceased victims following protests from relatives.
What actions are being taken against the store owner?
A criminal case is set to be filed against the store owner for negligence, as the basement was being used unlawfully for storage without proper safety clearances.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety in the future?
Authorities are evaluating the structural integrity of the affected building and will enforce stricter safety regulations to prevent such incidents from happening again.
