What Caused the Tragic Building Fire Near Charminar in Hyderabad?

Synopsis
A tragic fire in Hyderabad claimed at least eight lives, including children and women, raising serious questions about building safety and emergency response. With officials urging preventive measures, the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident near Charminar.
Key Takeaways
- Eight fatalities reported due to the fire.
- The fire broke out in a building above a pearl shop.
- Initial reports indicate a short circuit as the cause.
- Firefighters rescued individuals trapped in the building.
- Authorities are urged to improve safety protocols.
Hyderabad, May 18 (NationPress) – A devastating fire erupted in a building in the historic area of Hyderabad, resulting in the loss of at least eight lives and leaving several others injured on Sunday.
The incident took place at Gulzar Houz, close to the iconic Charminar. Among the deceased are two children and four women.
Brave firefighters managed to rescue individuals trapped in the ground-plus-one structure located in a narrow commercial lane.
Many victims lost consciousness due to the dense smoke that filled the area. Approximately 30 individuals, including family members of a pearl trader and their employees, were present in the building.
The pearl trader’s shop, Modi Pearls, occupied the ground floor, while the first floor housed his family and some workers’ families.
Eight fire engines were deployed to combat the flames, and senior police officials promptly arrived at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Kumar (67), Sumitra (65), Munni Bai (72), Abhishek Modi (30), Arushi Jain (17), Sheetal Jain (37), Arashadi (7), and Iraj (2).
The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at Osmania, Yashoda Malakpet, Apollo DRDO, and Apollo Hyderguda hospitals.
During a visit to the site, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy informed the media that the fire broke out around 6 a.m. above the pearl shop.
He noted a delay in the response from the fire services department and indicated that a preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit triggered the blaze. He plans to request financial support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the affected families.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed his shock over the tragic incident and has instructed officials to take all necessary measures to rescue those trapped.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), he has been in communication with the police and fire services to ensure optimal care for the injured.
Charminar MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali visited the scene and conferred with officials.
This incident occurred just two days following another fire in a multistorey building at Siddi Amber Bazar, where firefighters rescued approximately ten individuals.
Kishan Reddy emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies, advocating for regular monitoring by police, fire services, GHMC, and electricity departments.