In a harrowing sequence of events, a devastating fire erupted late Monday night in a two-storey building in Hyderabad, leading to the deaths of a husband and wife and severe injury to a teenage relative. The tragic incident, believed to be caused by a gas leak that ignited firecrackers stored on the premises, highlights the horrors of inadequate safety measures and has left the city in shock. This marks the second major fire accident in Hyderabad within 24 hours, raising concerns about fire safety in commercial areas.
Fire Spreads Rapidly from Pastry Kitchen to Fireworks Storage.
According to officials, the fire began on the building’s first floor, where a pastry kitchen was operational, and quickly spread to nearby stacks of firecrackers and cotton boxes stored for sale. Tragically, two individuals, identified as Mohan Lal and his wife Usha Bai, were pronounced dead on arrival at Osmania General Hospital. Their 15-year-old relative, Shruti, was critically injured and later transferred to Yashoda Hospital for advanced care.
The blaze’s rapid spread, fueled by firecrackers stored within the building, quickly engulfed the structure, and officials have suggested a gas leak as the likely cause of ignition. Witnesses reported that the situation turned dire within moments as flames reached the firecrackers, leading to a series of explosions that amplified the intensity of the blaze. Videos from the scene showed crowds of onlookers gathering in distress as fire services and police worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response Efforts
Local MLA Jaffar Hussain Meraj rushed to the scene upon hearing of the incident and played a key role in coordinating emergency responses. Firefighters arrived promptly to contain the blaze, and multiple fire tenders were deployed to control the flames. However, the presence of fireworks created substantial challenges for the rescue teams as exploding firecrackers made it perilous for responders and residents alike.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage reveal the chaos and fear that gripped the area. One video depicts frantic efforts by bystanders to assist those trapped inside the building, while another captures fire officials struggling to control the blaze amidst hazardous conditions. Initial investigations confirmed that a gas leak likely triggered the fire, igniting fireworks and intensifying the destruction.
Growing Concerns over Fire Safety in Hyderabad
This catastrophic fire follows another alarming incident in Hyderabad’s Bogulkunta area just a day prior, where a wholesale fireworks shop caught fire due to a suspected short circuit. Exploding fireworks, ignited by the flames, created scenes of panic as people attempted to flee the area. Vehicles parked nearby were also engulfed in flames, further complicating firefighting efforts. Four fire tenders had to be deployed, yet despite their efforts, the explosion of fireworks continued for nearly an hour, underscoring the difficulty in managing the crisis.
Both incidents have sparked an outcry over fire safety standards and the storage of flammable materials in densely populated areas. As the city grapples with the aftermath, officials and citizens alike are questioning the management practices that allow high-risk products such as fireworks to be stored in close proximity to residential and commercial spaces. The repeated nature of these incidents has amplified demands for stricter regulations on fire safety compliance, especially in areas where large crowds gather and hazardous goods are stored.
A City in Shock and Calls for Reform
Hyderabad, still reeling from these back-to-back tragedies, is confronting the painful consequences of lax safety measures and insufficient regulatory enforcement. With gas leaks and electrical short circuits now suspected as causes in both cases, the question of accountability remains critical. The city’s residents and public representatives are urging immediate action to improve building codes, enhance safety protocols, and ensure that hazardous materials are stored in isolated areas to prevent such disasters.
These fires have underscored the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and have brought to light significant gaps in Hyderabad’s fire management infrastructure. As investigations proceed, the tragic loss of life serves as a reminder of the profound risks posed by improper storage practices and inadequate safety measures. For Hyderabad, the horror of these incidents has cast a long shadow, propelling the need for swift and decisive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.