Hyderabad Nampally Fire Tragedy: Three Confirmed Dead, Rescue Operations Face Severe Challenges
In a devastating incident that has shocked Hyderabad, at least three people have been confirmed dead after a massive fire broke out at a building in the Nampally area on Sunday. The victims' bodies have been shifted to Osmania Hospital for post-mortem examination, officials confirmed.
Rescue Operations Hampered by Intense Heat and Smoke
According to fire department officials, rescue teams are facing extreme difficulties in accessing the building's cellar where five people are feared trapped. "We've identified three dead bodies and are shifting them to Osmania Hospital for post-mortem examination," a fire department official stated. "Huge smoke is still coming from the building. We suspect a total of five people were trapped in the building, and the rescue operation is underway."
The five individuals feared trapped in the cellar have been identified as brothers Praneeth Kumar (11) and Akhil Kumar (7), Mohammed Imtiaz (26), Mohammed Habeeb (40), and Bebi (45). The children lived in the cellar with their families, while Imtiaz and Habeeb were employed at the showroom and were involved in transporting goods. Bebi, who worked as a watchwoman, lived in the cellar with her two sons.
Dangerous Materials Fuel Rapid Fire Spread
Sources revealed that the ground floor of the building housed furniture for sale, while the cellar stored foam, wooden materials, and chemicals. These highly flammable materials are believed to have fueled the rapid spread of the fire. The upper floors were also used as furniture showrooms, with the establishment having operated for nearly eight years in the Hindi Prachar Sabha complex and employing around 40 workers.
Showroom Owner Absconding, Criminal Case Likely
In a significant development, the showroom owner, Satish Batcha, is currently absconding, with authorities making efforts to trace him. Hyderabad district collector Harichandana Dasari expressed strong criticism, stating, "The showroom owner is absconding. If he was present, rescue operations could be conducted faster. This is very irresponsible. He took the building on lease, and we need to check whether the upper floors were constructed with approval or illegally."
A criminal case is likely to be registered against the owner soon at the Abids police station, adding legal complications to the already tragic situation.
Multi-Agency Rescue Efforts Deployed
Rescue teams from Telangana Fire Services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Hyderabad Disaster Response and Action (HYDRAA) were pressed into service immediately. Although the fire was largely brought under control by late evening, heavy smoke continued to billow from the building, severely hampering access to the cellar.
Firefighters attempted entry by breaking window panes on upper floors and walls on the ground floor. A senior NDRF official described the challenging conditions: "We deployed six water pipes inside to reach the cellar, but the heat was so intense that our personnel could not proceed beyond a few stairs. Our smoke ventilator was also burnt. We are now finding other ways to enter."
Around 16 fire tenders, along with a broncho skylift and a firefighting robot, were deployed in what became one of the most complex firefighting operations in recent Hyderabad history. Rescue efforts were still underway at the time of reporting, with residents of nearby buildings evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Government Response and Human Rights Complaint
Meanwhile, the Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has registered a complaint alleging serious lapses by government authorities in connection with the fire accident. This development suggests potential regulatory failures that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Expressing shock at the incident, state revenue, housing, information and public relations minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy ordered officials to submit a detailed report on the massive fire at the Nampally showroom. This indicates that the state government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and may initiate broader safety inspections across similar establishments.
The Nampally fire tragedy has raised serious questions about building safety regulations, fire prevention measures in commercial establishments, and the living conditions of workers in urban Hyderabad. As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, the city mourns the loss of life in this preventable disaster.
