Fri May 30 02:47:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A devastating fire ripped through the century-old Modi residence in Hyderabad’s Gulzar Houz on May 18, 2025, claiming the lives of 17 family members, including eight children. The fire, believed to have been caused by a short circuit in an inverter battery, rapidly engulfed the traditional Nizam-era home, trapping residents inside. The blaze sparked outrage among family members who allege a delayed and ill-equipped response from the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services. Locals risked their lives to rescue trapped individuals, highlighting the perceived failures of the emergency services. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess safety compliance in older buildings. The tragedy has left the Modi family, pearl merchants for generations, in mourning and their future uncertain.
**News Article:**
**Hyderabad Fire Claims 17 Lives, Sparks Outrage Over Emergency Response**
**Hyderabad, May 30, 2025** – Seventeen members of the Modi family, including eight children, perished in a devastating fire that engulfed their century-old ancestral home in Gulzar Houz on May 18th. The blaze, suspected to have originated from a short circuit in an inverter battery located in a ground-floor shop, rapidly spread through the traditional Nizam-era structure, trapping the family inside.
The tragedy has ignited widespread anger and grief, with surviving family members accusing the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services of a delayed and inadequate response. “There was no rescue,” stated Govind Modi, a family member. “All 17 of our family members trapped inside died. Four got out on their own. They came asking us for torches and water. Is that how an emergency team should operate?”
According to the Fire Services, the initial call was received at 6:16 a.m., and the first fire tender arrived at 6:20 a.m. However, family members dispute this timeline, claiming a significantly longer delay and criticizing the lack of essential equipment and water pressure. Dhruv Modi, a relative who risked his life to enter the burning building, described a chaotic scene with firefighters struggling to operate basic equipment.
Local residents, Mir Zahed and Mohd. Azmath, also played a crucial role in rescue efforts, braving the flames to save a woman and several children.
The incident has prompted a high-level investigation by a six-member panel comprised of top officials from various departments, including Fire Services, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and the Hyderabad Police. The investigation will focus on the cause of the fire, potential building code violations, and the effectiveness of the emergency response.
Electrical Inspector Kantha Rao noted that the outdated wiring and potential overload due to multiple air conditioners likely contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of electrical safety regulations in older buildings, where appliances are often added without assessing system capacity.
The Modi family, renowned pearl merchants for generations, has been left devastated by the tragedy. Their shops remain shuttered, and the future of their business is uncertain.
The charred remains of the Modi residence stand as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for efficient and well-equipped emergency services. This tragedy has sparked a call for reforms and stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
First Piper 