Hyderabad: Y. Nagi Reddy, Director General of the Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Department, said the fire department received a call in distress at 6:16 a.m. and dispatched 11 fire trucks by 6:17 a.m. “People are trapped on the second floor,” Reddy said, detailing the intense fire and rescue operations involving respirators and oxygen masks.
Despite the rapid response, the rapid spread of the fire was driven by wooden materials used in recent renovations.
“Owners and store staff told us that they have renovated the entire store’s house with a lot of wood material. Short circuits are one reason, but widespread use of wood is another problem,” Reddy noted.
All victims from the same extended family reportedly were in Hyderabad, spending time together during the holidays, according to relatives and family. “They are brothers and sisters from four union families,” Reddy added.
The fire started around 6:00 a.m. and spread rapidly due to thick smoke, causing fatal suffocation. According to preliminary investigation, all 17 victims died of smoke inhalation and no burn injuries. Ten injured people were taken to the DRDO Hospital in Ottomania General Hospital and a private facility for treatment.
