Hyderabad: Air conditioner catches fire due to 'short circuit'; twin toddlers killed

Hyderabad: Twin toddlers were killed when an air conditioner caught fire due to a suspected short circuit at their residence in Anjumanbada, Kachiguda, here.

One of the toddlers died on the spot, while the other succumbed to severe burn injuries at the hospital.

Fire breaks out during sleep

The tragedy occurred at Anjumanbada in the Golnaka division of Kachiguda. The victims, Rehman (3) and Raheem (3), twin sons of a private employee, Saifuddin Khadri, were asleep on a bed inside the house.

According to preliminary information, the air conditioner in the room suddenly developed a short circuit, triggering a fire that spread rapidly.

Mother was outside, siblings raise alarm

At the time of the incident, the children’s mother was engaged in household work outside the room. Two other children who were inside noticed the flames, panicked, and ran out screaming for help. They immediately alerted their mother.

Despite desperate attempts to rescue the twins, the fire intensified within minutes, leaving little scope for intervention.

One dies instantly, other succumbs later

Rehman died on the spot due to the severity of the burns. Raheem, who sustained nearly 90 per cent burn injuries, was rushed to Osmania Hospital, where he later succumbed while undergoing treatment.

Fire doused before tender arrived

A fire tender from the Gowliguda fire station was rushed to the spot following an emergency call. However, by the time fire personnel arrived, residents had already managed to douse the flames.

Probe underway

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. The exact cause of the short circuit and fire will be confirmed after the forensic report is received.