2 Kids Among 6 Feared Trapped in Nampally Fire

A large crowd gathered near Furniture Castle after the blaze, which reportedly began in a godown on Saturday afternoon. Around six persons, including two children, were believed to be trapped. Rescue operations were continuing at the time of filing this report.

“We have been here since 1 pm. Such a huge force is present, yet they have not been able to get my brother out. We do not know anything and have been left desperate without any information,” said Aziz, brother of one of the victims, Imtiaz.

Family members said Imtiaz had just arrived at the shop where he worked on the third floor when the incident occurred. Shahnawaaz, a relative, said Imtiaz went down to the cellar to rescue a 54-year-old woman trapped along with two minor boys. A driver, Habeeb, 40, who worked for one of the shops, was also with him.

Imtiaz is married and has a son. Relatives said they were not in a position to speak further.

For Yadaiah, father of the two minors trapped inside, the only assurance came from officials that his children were safe. “I work at one of the shops here. I do not know how my children got into the building. I have been told they will be rescued. That is the only hope I am relying on,” he said.

Yadaiah, who has worked at the furniture shop for 23 years, said his sons, aged 11 and eight, had not gone to school that day. “One was flying a kite and the other was eating a guava. That was the last time I saw them smiling. We came from Ibrahimpatnam to earn a living and live adjacent to this building. I thought they were playing safely and stepped out for some work. I wish they had gone to school,” his wife said, sobbing.

Another victim, Beeban Bee, 54, was reportedly trapped when she went inside after hearing the children cry. “She went in to bring them out after noticing the fire, but got trapped herself. She works here as a security guard along with my brothers,” said her daughter Shaheen.