Two dead in Hyd electronics showroom fire

A massive fire at the Gomathi Electronics showroom in Shalibanda on Tuesday night has claimed two lives. The showroom owner, who had been undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries, died at a government hospital on Wednesday, raising the death toll to two.

The blaze broke out suddenly at the two-storey showroom located along the main road. Police suspect a short circuit triggered the fire, which spread rapidly and caused several powerful explosions as televisions, refrigerators, air-conditioners, and inverter batteries inside the store burst into flames.

The impact of the blasts set a CNG car parked in front of the showroom on fire. An auto-rickshaw and two two-wheelers were also gutted. A neighbouring clothing store suffered partial damage. A passerby, who has not yet been identified, was charred to death on the spot, and eight others sustained injuries.

Among the injured was the showroom owner, who had suffered nearly 80% burns and later succumbed during treatment. Two of the injured continue to receive medical care, while five others have been discharged.

Ten fire tenders were rushed to the scene and managed to bring the flames under control. Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and the reason behind the intense explosions.

Charminar MLA Julfekar Ali visited the site and reviewed the situation. The incident has once again raised concerns over recurring fire accidents in the city and highlighted the urgent need for stricter fire safety measures in commercial complexes.