Tragedy Strikes Gulzar House as Early Morning Blaze Engulfs Residential Building
Hyderabad, May 18 — A devastating fire in a building at Gulzar House, near the historic Charminar in Hyderabad, claimed the lives of 13 people, including four children, early Sunday morning.According to initial reports, the fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. in a three-storey building (G+2 structure) that housed jewellery shops on the ground floor and residential flats on the upper floors. Thick smoke quickly spread through the premises, leading to suffocation among the residents.
Casualties and Medical Response
Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, confirmed receiving eight individuals who were declared brought dead. "Unfortunately, 8 patients were brought dead to Yashoda Hospital," said a senior hospital official. The deceased included two children, aged two and seven, and three women.Apollo Hospitals also confirmed the arrival of five victims with severe burn and inhalation injuries. "All these victims had severe burns and inhalation injuries and could not be revived. Death was declared," the hospital stated, adding that its emergency teams remain on-site to assist further.
In total, at least 17 people, including women and children, were rescued and taken to various hospitals for treatment. The Telangana Fire Department confirmed that firefighting and rescue operations were carried out simultaneously, and the fire was successfully brought under control.
Cause of the Fire and Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was triggered by a short circuit. Director General of Police Jitender stated that although the blaze has been extinguished, efforts are underway to eliminate residual smoke. Police have registered a case and restricted access to the site as investigations continue.Transport Minister and Hyderabad District in-charge Ponnam Prabhakar, after visiting the scene, reaffirmed that a short circuit was responsible. "There is no conspiracy angle. An inquiry will be ordered into the incident. Final confirmation on the number of deaths will follow once reports are received," he stated.
Government Reaction and Relief Measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep anguish over the tragedy. In a post on X, he announced ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also expressed shock over the incident and directed officials to ensure that all victims receive immediate medical attention. An official release from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed the directive for prompt hospitalisation and treatment of the injured.
Community Impact and Ongoing Support
Charminar MLA Mir Zulfeqar Ali mentioned that around 20 people were taken to hospitals based on preliminary information. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also visited the site to assess the situation.The affected building reportedly housed four related families. Emergency services, including fire and police personnel, were swift in responding, rescuing several unconscious individuals from the premises.
As Hyderabad mourns the lives lost, authorities have vowed a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.