HYDERABAD, India (AP) - A tragic fire incident in Hyderabad has left at least 17 people dead and several others injured. The fire broke out early on Sunday morning at a three-story building located near the iconic Charminar monument, a significant historical site in southern India. Local authorities reported that many individuals were found unconscious at the scene and were subsequently rushed to various hospitals for treatment.
According to eyewitness accounts and local media reports, the building featured a jewelry store on the ground floor with residential apartments situated above. The unfortunate incident was attributed to a short circuit, as confirmed by G Kishan Reddy, a federal minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who spoke with reporters at the site of the fire. Reddy expressed his condolences, stating, "The accident happened due to a short circuit and many people have died."
Y Nagi Reddy, the Director General of Telangana Fire Services, revealed that there were 21 individuals inside the building when the fire broke out. He detailed the challenges faced during the rescue, noting that "17 people, who were shifted to the hospital in an unconscious state, could not survive." The incident was further complicated by a narrow staircase that hindered escape, as there was only one exit available, which was ultimately blocked by the flames.
The fire emergency response team managed to bring the blaze under control, but the extent of the tragedy became clear as the toll on human lives increased. In light of this disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep anguish over the loss of lives in a public statement on the social media platform X. He announced that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as a gesture of support during this difficult time.
Fires like this are unfortunately not uncommon in India, where compliance with building laws and safety regulations are often overlooked by developers and occupants alike. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
