Hyderabad Fire: Deceased’s Kin Allege Lack of Oxygen Masks
A devastating fire that broke out early Sunday morning in a building at Gulzar Houz Chowrasta near Charminar in Hyderabad claimed the lives of 17 people, including eight children, and left many others injured. The tragic incident has left the city in shock, with the grief-stricken families of the deceased demanding answers from the authorities and first responders.
As the news of the fire spread, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav visited the hospital to pay his condolences to the bereaved families. However, his visit was met with anger and frustration from the relatives of the deceased, who questioned him about the lack of oxygen masks in the ambulances that responded to the emergency.
The fire, which is believed to have started due to an electrical short circuit, quickly spread through the four-story building, trapping several families inside. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but eyewitnesses have reported that the flames were so intense that they could be seen from a distance, making it impossible for many to escape.
The tragedy has left many families heartbroken, with several children and women among the deceased. The survivors, who managed to escape the inferno, are still struggling to come to terms with the trauma they experienced.
The relatives of the deceased have been crying foul, alleging that the lack of oxygen masks in the ambulances contributed significantly to the high number of fatalities. They claimed that the paramedics and rescue teams did not have the necessary equipment to provide adequate oxygen to those who were injured or trapped in the burning building.
“I was with my wife when the fire broke out. We were trying to escape, but the heat was unbearable. I saw many people, including children, collapsing due to lack of oxygen. If only they had oxygen masks, many lives could have been saved,” said Mohammed Hussain, whose wife was among the deceased.
The allegations have been corroborated by several first responders who were at the scene. “We did not have oxygen masks in our ambulances, which made it difficult for us to rescue people who were trapped in the burning building. We had to rely on manual resuscitation, which was not enough to save many lives,” said a paramedic who wished to remain anonymous.
The incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness of the city’s emergency services. While the fire department has been criticized for its response to the emergency, the lack of oxygen masks in the ambulances has been singled out as a major concern.
The Telangana government has announced an investigation into the fire and has promised to provide compensation to the affected families. However, the grieving kin of the deceased are demanding more than just compensation. They want the authorities to take concrete measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the city’s residents have come together to support the affected families. Several organizations and individuals have donated money, food, and other essential items to the survivors.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the questions about the lack of oxygen masks in the ambulances remain. The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of adequate emergency preparedness and the need for authorities to prioritize the safety of citizens.
