Tragic Fire Near Hyderabad's Charminar Claims 17 Lives, Including 8 Children
A devastating fire in Hyderabad's Gulzar Houz area near Charminar resulted in 17 fatalities, including eight children. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, highlights critical fire safety concerns in densely populated urban areas.
In the early hours of Sunday, May 18, 2025, a catastrophic fire engulfed a building in Hyderabad's historic Gulzar Houz area, near the iconic Charminar, leading to the tragic deaths of 17 individuals, including eight children. The blaze, which erupted around 6:17 AM, is believed to have originated from a short circuit in a jewelry store located on the ground floor of the three-story structure.
The building, a mixed-use structure combining commercial and residential spaces, became a death trap due to its single narrow entry point and closed windows, which prevented the escape of toxic smoke. All victims succumbed to asphyxiation, with no burn injuries reported.
Among the deceased were members of an extended family who had gathered for a summer vacation. The victims included elderly individuals and young children, highlighting the devastating impact on a single family unit.
Emergency services responded promptly, with fire tenders arriving within 15 minutes of the alert. However, the building's structural limitations hindered rescue efforts. Firefighters had to create an additional entry point to access the premises, where most occupants were found unconscious.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also conveyed his condolences and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent fire safety measures, especially in densely populated urban areas with mixed-use buildings. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future
As Hyderabad mourns this profound loss, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the need for regular inspections to ensure the well-being of residents and workers in similar structures.
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