Monday, May 19 2025 | Time 22:36 Hrs(IST)
States » SouthPosted at: May 19 2025 6:55PM


KTR visits fire tragedy victims' families, urges urgent overhaul of emergency infrastructure

Hyderabad, May 19 (UNI) BRS Working President K T Rama Rao (KTR) on Monday visited the grieving families of the victims who perished in the tragic fire at Gulzar House, calling it one of the most painful tragedies in Hyderabad’s recent history.

Seventeen members of the Agarwal family, who had lived near Charminar for over 125 years, lost their lives in the incident, including eight children.

Speaking to the media, KTR refrained from political criticism but highlighted serious lapses in emergency response. He cited victim accounts stating that fire engines arrived without water, firefighters lacked proper masks, and ambulances came without oxygen support.

“Had basic life-saving facilities been available, some lives could have been saved,” he said.

KTR praised the efforts of local Hindus and Muslims who united to rescue the trapped, underscoring the spirit of humanity amid the tragedy. He expressed disappointment that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who holds both the Home and Municipal Administration portfolios, did not visit the site, stating, “This is not about politics, it’s about humanity.”

He urged the government to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation to each victim’s family and support the Agarwal family in restarting their century-old business.

Stressing the need for systemic change, KTR called for fire safety review meetings every summer, better training for personnel, and fully equipped emergency services, especially in high-density, old city areas with narrow lanes.

Drawing a sharp comparison, he said, “The kind of attention and spending we see for beauty pageants should also be directed toward improving emergency response systems.” KTR urged the government to act with humanity and ensure such tragedies never repeat.
UNI VV BD
Tags: #KTR visits fire tragedy victims' families# urges urgent overhaul of emergency infrastructure
More News

Minor fire at restaurant in Chennai airport Metro, none hurt

19 May 2025 | 10:02 PM

Chennai, May 19 (UNI) A minor fire broke out in a restaurant at the
Chennai Airport Metro Station on Monday evening.

see more..

Two died, two hospitalised due to asphyxiation

19 May 2025 | 9:57 PM

Chennai, May 19 (UNI) Two people died and two others were admitted
to hospital due to asphyxiation while cleaning a tank at a dyeing unit in
Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu on Monday.

see more..

Bommai raps Ktk govt, says Rs 2 5 lakh loan no feat

19 May 2025 | 9:47 PM

Bengaluru, May 19 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai on Monday criticised the Karnataka government’s financial management, stating that borrowing Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the past two years is no achievement.

see more..

Cong govt says 70 pc Bengaluru rain issues resolved

19 May 2025 | 9:41 PM

Bengaluru, May 19 (UNI) Karnataka Urban Development Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday asserted that the government has already resolved 70 percent of Bengaluru's rain-affected problem areas, despite ongoing challenges posed by the city’s unplanned infrastructure.

see more..

Gulzar Houz fire: Need fire safety reforms, especially in Hyderabad’s heritage zones: FTCCI

19 May 2025 | 9:31 PM

Hyderabad, May 19 (UNI) Expressing profound grief and deepest condolences over the tragic loss of 17 innocent lives in the devastating fire accident that occurred at Gulzar Houz, Charminar, on Sunday morning, The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) on Monday said that there is an urgent need for fire safety reforms especially in Hyderabad’s heritage zones and densely populated commercial areas.

see more..