17 Dead, Including Children, in Devastating Fire Near Hyderabad’s Charminar
17 people, including two children and a minor, died in a massive fire that broke out near Hyderabad’s Charminar late Saturday evening. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
A major fire erupted near Gulzar House in Hyderabad’s Old City, close to the iconic Charminar, claiming eight lives and injuring several others. The blaze reportedly began in a pearl shop and spread to the residence above it.
The victims have been identified as Abhisekh Modi (30), Rajender Kumar (67), Munnibhai (72), Sumitra (65), Iraj (2), Arushi Jain (17), Harshali Gupta (7), and Sheetaj Jain (37). Rescue teams have saved 10 to 15 people from the structure so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for 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,” PM Modi said on X.
Union Minister and Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy, along with state Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, visited the site and reviewed rescue operations.
“The fire broke out in a pearl shop owned by a family, with their residence above it. It’s a tragic accident likely caused by a short circuit,” Reddy said.
He stressed the need to improve coordination among emergency services in growing urban areas like Hyderabad.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy spoke with Minister Prabhakar and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance.
He asked IG Nagireddy to remain at the site to ensure prompt relief and rescue. The CM also called the families of the deceased to express condolences and assured full state support.
The Charminar area, a densely populated and commercially active zone, has long faced fire safety challenges due to narrow lanes and closely packed structures. Previous incidents have triggered calls for better regulation of residential-commercial mixed-use buildings.
