Tragic Fire in Hyderabad Claims 17 Lives, Including Four Children

Devastating Fire Incident

A severe fire broke out early Sunday morning at Gulzar House near Charminar in Hyderabad, resulting in the tragic deaths of 17 individuals, including four children. The blaze originated on the ground floor and rapidly spread to the upper levels. Firefighters conducted a search and rescue operation, managing to save 17 people who were subsequently transported to a hospital, but unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries.

The victims have been identified as Prahlad (70), Munni (70), Rajendra (65), Sumitra (60), Hami (7), Abhishek (31), Sheetal (35), Priyans (4), Irraj (2), Aarushi (3), Rishabh (4), Pratham (1), Anuyan (3), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36), Rajini (32), and Iddu (4). Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Investigation and Response

According to the fire department, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. The value of the property affected has not yet been assessed. However, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who was present at the scene, suggested that a short circuit may have triggered the incident, highlighting deficiencies in emergency response.

Reddy stated, 'The incident was caused by a short circuit. Many lives have been lost, and several others are injured. I am not placing blame, but as Hyderabad is rapidly developing, the police, municipal corporation, fire department, and electricity departments need to be strengthened.'

Advanced Rescue Operations

The fire department reported that advanced firefighting robots and Bronto Skylift hydraulic platforms were utilized during the rescue efforts.

Minister's Oversight

Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar arrived at the site to oversee the ongoing rescue operations. Former Charminar MLA and AIMIM leader Mumtaz Ahmed Khan was also present.

Discussing the fire incident, Prabhakar mentioned, 'The fire started around 6:00 AM, and the Telangana fire department arrived by 6:16 AM. They made every effort to rescue everyone, but unfortunately, the fire had already spread extensively, leading to the loss of most lives inside the building.'

Condolences from the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy in a post on social media, stating, 'I am deeply saddened by the loss of life due to the fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.' He announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of each victim from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.