Hyderabad Furniture Store Fire Claims Five Lives, Including Two Courageous Workers
A tragic fire that engulfed a four-storey building in Hyderabad's Nampally area on Saturday afternoon has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two workers who displayed extraordinary bravery by rushing into the burning structure to save children trapped inside.
Timeline of the Devastating Incident
The fire is believed to have broken out around 1 pm on Saturday at the furniture store located in the building. Firefighting efforts continued relentlessly through the night and into the early hours of Sunday, with the bodies of the victims only being recovered by Sunday afternoon.
According to officials, the deceased include:
- Bebi (44) - the building's caretaker
- Syed Habeeb (40) and Imtiaz (26) - two workers who attempted to rescue children
- Praneeth (11) and Akhil (7) - brothers who were children of the building's security guard
Heroic Attempt Ends in Tragedy
The security guard's family was living in the building's basement, which officials said was improperly used to store old furniture and scrap material instead of being kept clear for parking as intended. This storage of combustible materials significantly aggravated the fire and created obstacles for rescue personnel.
When the fire broke out, most of the 23 workers present managed to escape to safety. However, Syed Habeeb and Imtiaz made the fateful decision to search for the security guard's children, who had stayed behind in the building with the caretaker while their parents were away.
"The two men who showed courage did not return from the building," a senior rescue official confirmed, highlighting their selfless act that ultimately cost them their lives.
Massive Rescue Operation Deployed
Fire safety officials reported receiving the first emergency call at 5 pm on Saturday, after which 16 fire engines were immediately dispatched to the scene. The rescue operation involved multiple agencies including the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force.
Advanced equipment was deployed during the operation, with fire tenders using hydraulic platforms and even robotic devices to assist in the rescue efforts. "We sent in a robotic viewfinder to look for people inside, but we did not get any results," the rescue officer stated.
Building Owner Arrested for Negligence
Following the tragedy, authorities registered a case under BNS section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) against the building owners. The owner, Satish Bacha, was arrested on Sunday with officials citing clear evidence of negligence.
"The owner, Satish Bacha, was arrested on Sunday as there is a clear case of negligence," confirmed ACP P Praveen Kumar.
Contradictory Information About Building Compliance
While Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner R V Karnan clarified that the building had proper approvals from the civic body and had obtained a fire no-objection certificate, Telangana fire chief Vikram Singh Mann pointed out critical violations.
"The basement was meant for parking, but these cellars were packed with old furniture," Mann told reporters, indicating that this improper storage contributed significantly to the tragedy.
Investigation and Aftermath
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with forensic examination yet to ascertain the origin. Police officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and more details will emerge as evidence is processed.
This tragic incident has highlighted serious concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial buildings, particularly regarding proper use of basement areas and storage of flammable materials. The heroic actions of the two workers who sacrificed their lives while attempting to save children have become a poignant aspect of this devastating event that has shaken the Hyderabad community.
