Hyderabad witnessed its third fire-related incident within a span of 24 hours when a petrol tanker suddenly burst into flames at a yard in Cherlapally, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, on Sunday, May 18. The incident, which occurred near an Indian Oil Corporation facility, reportedly stemmed from a technical malfunction. The alertness of the tanker driver played a crucial role in preventing a major disaster, as he immediately halted the vehicle, allowing enough time for emergency responders to arrive. Firefighters acted swiftly, bringing the blaze under control and averting any explosion or casualties.
Earlier the same day, another fire broke out at a residential building in Moghal Colony, Mailardevpally, at around 7:18 am. The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the G+3 floor structure, which included a penthouse. A team from Chandrayangutta Fire Station was dispatched quickly and managed to contain the flames. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported in this incident. The fire did, however, cause alarm among residents, many of whom had to evacuate as a safety precaution.
The most tragic of the three incidents occurred at dawn in Gulzar House, near Charminar, where a massive fire engulfed the Srikrishna Pearls building. Seventeen people lost their lives, and around ten others were seriously injured. The fire broke out around 6 am, filling the multi-storey structure with thick smoke and trapping about 30 individuals inside, including pearl traders and their families. Many victims lost consciousness due to smoke inhalation. The injured were rushed to Osmania General Hospital, Yashoda Malakpet, Apollo DRDO, and Apollo Hyderguda. Authorities have launched investigations into the back-to-back incidents, raising concerns about fire safety compliance across the city.
