Hyderabad's Gulzar House fire: How short circuit, single exit, shut windows sealed fate of 17 people

As many as 17 people of the same family were killed in a massive fire that broke out near Charminar in Hyderabad in the early hours of Sunday. The fire broke out at the 'Gulzar House' building, less than 100 metres from the iconic Charminar due to a suspected short circuit.

What caused the fire?

According to the officials, the fire is believed to have started because of a short circuit. However, the victims did not die from burns, but from inhaling toxic smoke. The windows of the building were shut, probably because air conditioners were running, and there was only one entrance. This meant smoke quickly filled the building, turning it into a gas chamber with no way for the people inside to escape, according to the report by NDTV.

The event, which turned tragic, was meant to be a joyful family gathering during the school holidays. Out of the 21 people in the building at the time, 17 died. The list of victims includes eight children under the age of 10.

According to the report, all the victims, belonging to the same family, include Prahlad (70), Munni (70), Rajendar (65), Sumitra (60), Hamye (7), Abhishek (31), Sheetal (35), Priyans (4), Iraaj(2), Arushi (3), Rishabh (4), Pratham (1), Anuyan (3), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36), Rajjini (32), Iddu (4).

"Today, upon receiving information at 06:16 am that a fire broke out in the G+2 building at Gulzar House Chowrasta, Charminar, the Moghalpura water tender and its crew rushed to the scene. The fire broke out on the ground floor and spread to the upper floors. Firefighting, search and rescue operations were carried out simultaneously, and 17 people who were trapped on the first floor were rescued by fire department personnel and shifted to hospital. Now we know that all 17 have died," Telangana Fire and Disaster Response Director General Y Nagi Reddy said while talking to news agency ANI.

How the building made things worse

The narrow design of the building and the closed windows made it difficult for anyone to escape after the fire erupted. There was only one entry point, and many residents were likely trapped inside with no way out. By the time help arrived, most victims were already unconscious due to smoke inhalation, the report said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sneha Mehra said firefighters had to break open a wall to create another way in. "Another entry point was created, and firefighters entered from there. Most of the people inside were unconscious. These are old establishments with some new construction. Only one narrow path leads to the area where the fire happened," the DCP said.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, present at the site, also highlighted the gaps in emergency response. "Many people have died in the accident. Some have been injured. I am not blaming anyone, but since Hyderabad is a rapidly developing city, the police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments should be strengthened," he was quoted by India Today as saying.

Rescue efforts and response

At least 11 fire engines and a firefighting robot were sent to the scene. Some locals claimed that the fire engines ran out of water, but officials denied this. Each engine carried 4,500 litres of water, and more water was supplied by the city’s corporation.

Shopkeepers in the area said there had been electrical issues, such as sharp voltage fluctuations, which may have led to the fire. The ground floor of the Gulzar House is known for its pearl shops, and local business owners say this is not the first fire in the area recently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy have expressed shock over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims' families. The PM announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the families of those who lost their lives. Rs 50,000 will be given to those who were injured in the mishap.