Hyderabad: Seven-year-old among three family members die of asphyxia at Puppalaguda

Hyderabad: Three members of a family, including a seven-year-old child, died of asphyxiation after a fire engulfed a building at Puppalaguda, Manikonda area, on Friday evening.

A short circuit started a fire in the parking lot of a two-storey building, destroying two cars and filling the structure with dense smoke.

Upon receiving information about the incident, rescue teams from the HYDRAA and the Fire Safety Department rushed to douse the flames.

The three deceased were identified as Jameela Khatoon (65), Suhana Khatoon (30), and Sijira Khatoon (4). HYDRAA regional fire officer Jaya Prakasah said that the trio was on the first floor of the building when the smoke filled it. They tried to flee by locking themselves in a room, but the lack of air caused them to become unconscious and eventually die.

“The deaths were caused by carbon monoxide inhalation, cautioning that even a small amount of smoke can cause unconsciousness and death,” Jaya Prakash said. According to Narsingi police, firefighters from Langer Houz and locals hauled out five trapped individuals from the first floor and two floors of the structure. Two of them were hurt and are being treated at Osmania Hospital. The condition of all of them is said to be stable.

A total of eight people were in the building when the fire occurred, police said, and added that three cylinders exploded in the incident. It took almost two hours to bring the fire under control. Firefighters rescued people from the building. Some residents were seen holding a mattress on the ground as others jumped onto it as flames and smoke billowed from the building. Further investigation is underway, the police said.

HYDRAA asks individuals to focus on safety measures during fire accidents

Safety measures to be followed during a fire accident include:

• Any individual should exit the building immediately when a fire breaks out.
• If escape isn’t possible for the individuals, they should move to the rooftop and wait for help.
• Always use the stairs instead of the elevators during a fire.
• One shouldn’t ignore even a small amount of smoke, which slowly makes you unconscious.

Fire safety precautions followed, especially during Summer

• Use only ISI-certified electrical equipment.
• Avoid using damaged wires and overloaded circuits.
• Do not use multiple high-power devices on a single plug.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use or when leaving home.
• Keep flammable materials away from electrical stoves and heaters.