Gulzar House fire: What meant to be summer vacation for kids ends in tragedy for Modi family

Hyderabad: Summer holidays for the Modi family of the Gulzar House turned tragic as eight children of the family died in the fire.

The children had come to their grandparents’ home for vacation from Mallapur and Hi-Tech City. Prahlad and Munni Modi’s daughters, who live in different parts of Hyderabad, came with their children to Gulzar House for summer vacation.

Children inhaled smoke in their sleep and declared brought dead at hospital

The eight children who perished in the fire are seven-year-old Hamey, four-year-old Priyansh, two-year-old Iraaj, three-year-old Arushi, four-year-old Rishabh, one and a half-year-old Pratham, three-year-old Anuyan and four-year-old Iddu.

“Children inhaled the smoke in their sleep, and most of them were declared brought dead at the hospital. The extended family of the daughters are devastated as the family has lost their children. The kids were there at their grandmother’s place for summer vacation,” explained a senior government official who is preparing the report to be submitted to the State government.

The adults who perished in the accident are Prahlad and Munni Modi (70 years), Rajendra Modi (65), Sumitra (60), Abhishek Modi (31), Sheetal (35), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36) and Rajini (32).

Six generations of Modis

The Modi family in Hyderabad were in the jewellery and gemstone business for six generations, with family spread across Hyderabad.

Vikram Kabra, owner of Kabra Pearls, said, “They are all one family. The generations have lived in Hyderabad. They are all related to each other.”

City jewellers grieve

The jewellers across the city are shocked and saddened at the incident. Kabra said, “One complete family has lost all its members, and this is very disturbing. We are all grieving the loss of this family.” The Old City jewellers have shut their shops on Monday in solidarity.

The jewellers’ association in the city is going to discuss with their members the safety measures that must be taken by them in commercial establishments and also in residences which are adjoining these establishments.

Did renovation work with inflammable décor prove to be harmful?

Another jeweller, on condition of anonymity, said, “Due to wear and tear, renovation works are carried out in jewellery shops. That is what Modi did in Gulzar House too. These days, panelling on walls is the new trend, and it was done in the house too. The interiors must also be safe. This aspect needs to be highlighted, as many of them are opting for fancy decor. This decor uses a lot of material and that may not be fireproof.”