KKN  Gurugram Desk | A horrific fire that broke out in the early hours of Sunday in the Gulzar Houz area near Charminar not only engulfed a building but claimed the lives of an entire family. Among the 17 victims, including eight children, one haunting image has come to define the heart-wrenching tragedy — a mother holding her four children close to her chest, even in death.

When rescue teams broke into the first floor of the building, they were met with a sight that left seasoned responders in tears — a charred woman clutching her children as if trying to protect them from the flames until her last breath. Her final embrace, now immortalized in grief, has shaken the conscience of the nation.

 Gulzar Houz Blaze: What Happened?

The blaze erupted around 3:30 AM on Sunday in a densely populated building near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar. Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, though a formal investigation is ongoing.

By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had spread rapidly through the building, fueled by flammable materials and the narrow architecture that made access difficult. Rescuers had to break through adjacent buildings to reach those trapped inside.

 The Scene That Stunned Rescuers

Rescue worker Meer Zahid, one of the first to enter the burning structure, shared the chilling details:

“She was still holding a burning torch, probably trying to guide her children through the thick smoke. There were two girls, one boy, and a newborn. She must have kept trying until her last breath. I will never forget this scene.”

Another volunteer, Mohammad Azmat, said:

“We covered the bodies with sheets. I’ve worked on many rescue operations, but nothing has ever been as traumatic as this.”

The woman, identified by neighbors but not officially named yet, was found on the first floor, her body shielding her four children from the worst of the fire — a gesture of protection that tragically couldn’t save them.

 Casualty Report: 17 Dead, 8 of Them Children

According to the Hyderabad Fire Department:

• Total fatalities: 17

• Children among dead: 8

• Injured: 6, including two in critical condition

• Location: Gulzar Houz, near Charminar, Hyderabad

• Probable cause: Short circuit (pending official confirmation)

The fire was so intense that most victims died due to smoke inhalation and burns before emergency services could reach them.

 Eyewitness Testimonies: “We Heard Screams but Couldn’t Enter”

Residents in neighboring buildings reported waking up to shouts for help and cracking windows.

“We tried to get in but the heat and smoke were unbearable. It was horrifying,” said 34-year-old local shopkeeper Sajid Khan.

Another witness, Shaista Bano, said:

“The entire building was burning like a torch. We saw shadows at the windows. Children crying. Then silence.”

 Rescue Efforts: Delayed but Relentless

The Hyderabad Fire and Emergency Services deployed over 8 fire tenders and 30 personnel to the site. However, the narrow lanes leading to Gulzar Houz slowed down the approach. Officials also had to break through walls of adjacent structures to enter the burning building.

“We reached the site as fast as we could. But the fire had already consumed the structure by the time we gained full access,” said Chief Fire Officer Ravi Yadav.

 Why Was the Building So Vulnerable?

Initial inspections point to multiple violations of fire safety norms:

• No fire escape routes

• Inadequate ventilation

• No functioning fire extinguishers

• Building constructed in a congested layout

An official inquiry is now underway to investigate if the building had clearance from the fire department, and whether municipal negligence played a role.

 The Mother’s Last Embrace: A Symbol of Unyielding Love

Social media and news outlets across India are sharing the story of the woman who died protecting her children. While her identity is being withheld for privacy, her act of maternal bravery has become a symbol of both human love and the tragedy of systemic failure.

“She knew she couldn’t escape. Yet she didn’t leave them. She stayed, holding them close,” said Zahid, his voice trembling.

 Nation Reacts: Leaders and Citizens Mourn the Loss

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow:

“The Hyderabad fire incident is heartbreaking. My condolences to the families of the deceased. The loss of innocent lives, especially children, is a tragedy beyond words.”

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh per deceased person’s family, and promised strict action against any negligence found.

 Accountability Demanded: Citizens Call for Fire Safety Reform

The incident has sparked renewed calls for urban fire safety reforms in congested cities like Hyderabad. Many citizens took to social media demanding:

• Mandatory fire drills in residential buildings

• Clear fire escape regulations

• Strict penalties for construction violations

• Improved training for emergency responders

 Similar Incidents in Urban India: A Disturbing Pattern

This is not the first fire tragedy in India involving children and families:

• Delhi Anaj Mandi fire (2019): 43 dead

• Mumbai Kamala Mills fire (2017): 14 dead

• Bihar school fire (2011): 93 children killed

These incidents follow a disturbing pattern of negligence, poor enforcement of fire codes, and unprepared emergency systems.

The Hyderabad fire, and especially the image of a mother clutching her children as flames consumed them, must serve as a catalyst for change. While condolences and compensations provide short-term relief, only long-term systemic reforms in urban safety and infrastructure can prevent such horrors in the future.

Let this not be just another headline. Let it be a wake-up call.