Hyderabad wakes up to major fire tragedy

Site after a fire broke out in a building near Charminar, in Hyderabad, Telangana.
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Hyderabad woke up to a tragic fire accident in the old city creating an atmosphere of grief and loss of lives at Gulzar Houz Chowrasta, Charminar, which has resulted in loss of 17 people of all age groups.

Preliminary examination showed that the cause of fire was a short circuit, according to Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services DG, Y Nagi Reddy.

According to an official statement by the Telangana government, “A fire broke out in the G+2 building at Gulzar Houz Chowrasta, Charminar. The Moghalpura water tender and its crew rushed to the scene of the fire. The building has ground + 02 floors.”

The fire broke out on the ground floor and spread to the upper floors. Firefighting, search & rescue operations were carried out simultaneously, according to the State government. Seventeen people of all ages who were trapped on the first floor, were subsequently declared dead.

It was not easy to rescue them due to access constraints – narrow entrances. For old Hyderabadi’s the area is synonymous with pearls and kites. According to those on ground, the victims had little to time react as most were asleep.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for each of the deceased. He made the announcement while addressing the media outside the Osmania General Hospital.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to fire tragedy. He announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured, a tweet posted by his office said.

“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 ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000: PM,” it said.

The State Governor too expressed grief over the Gulzar Houz fire tragedy and directed the authorities to extend all possible medical assistance to the injured.

Published on May 18, 2025