Hyderabad: At least 16 people, including two children, were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a building in Gulzar House, near Charminar, Hyderabad.
The fire reportedly erupted around 6:30 a.m. inside a commercial-residential complex, triggering chaos in the densely populated area. Firefighters rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control, but not before it claimed multiple lives.
The injured were admitted to Osmania General, Yashoda Hospital (Malakpet), DRDO Hospital, and Apollo Hospitals for treatment. The Fire Department suspects a short circuit may have caused the incident, although an official investigation is underway.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the tragedy and directed officials to carry out rescue operations swiftly.
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…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 18, 2025
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, authorities were asked to ensure immediate medical care for the injured and take all necessary relief measures at the site.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the scene and said, “Police have informed that eight people are dead in the fire accident. However, final confirmation of the toll will come from the authorities.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
The incident comes just days after a fire broke out on May 14 in a three-storey building in Hyderabad’s Begum Bazar. No casualties were reported in that incident, but the back-to-back accidents have raised concerns over fire safety compliance in the city’s older commercial zones.
