Smoke soon spread and people suffocated to death: fire officials
S Sharmili
HYDERABAD, May 18, 2025: A fire in “Gulzar House” near the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad city on Sunday left 17 people dead, most of whom were children. The building, which housed jewelry shops on the first floor and apartments above, had a narrow escape route for the inmates.
Smoke soon spread and people suffocated to death, fire officials said.
The fire accident occurred between 6 am and 6:15 am with a call to the fire department at 6:16 am. The fire was primarily caused by a suspected short circuit in the mains in the shopping area.
A total of 21 people were in the building when the blaze erupted, with 17 shifted to hospitals in an unconscious state. The only escape route was the narrow staircase and the inmates could not run to safety, officials explained.
The Prime Minister and Telangana Chief Minister expressed shock and anguish over the tragic loss of lives. The Prime Minister announced Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those who died and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
'Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. 'The injured would be given Rs 50,000,' the PM said in his social media post.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed senior officials to help rescue those trapped in the building and provide assistance to the injured people.
Image: Gulzar House fire.
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