17 Dead, Including 8 Children, in Gulzar Houz Blaze
A devastating fire engulfed a three-story building in Gulzar Houz near the historic Charminar early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of at least 17 individuals, including eight children under the age of 10.
The fire originated around 6:00 AM in the ground-floor jewelry store, Krishna Pearls, and rapidly spread to the residential floors above. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit as the likely cause. The building's narrow staircase and a single, blocked exit hindered evacuation efforts, trapping residents inside.
All 17 victims were found unconscious and later pronounced dead due to smoke inhalation. Among the deceased were multiple generations of a single family, including elderly members and young children.
The Telangana Fire Department received the emergency call at 6:16 AM and dispatched 11 fire engines within a minute. Firefighters utilized breathing apparatus and oxygen masks to conduct rescue operations. Despite their efforts, the rapid spread of the fire and structural challenges impeded the rescue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragedy, stating, "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." He announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conveyed his profound shock and directed officials to intensify rescue operations and provide the best possible medical care to the injured. He assured that the government would extend all necessary support to the affected families.
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess any lapses in safety protocols. The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in mixed-use buildings in densely populated urban areas.
The tragic event underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of building safety regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.
The fire originated around 6:00 AM in the ground-floor jewelry store, Krishna Pearls, and rapidly spread to the residential floors above. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit as the likely cause. The building's narrow staircase and a single, blocked exit hindered evacuation efforts, trapping residents inside.
All 17 victims were found unconscious and later pronounced dead due to smoke inhalation. Among the deceased were multiple generations of a single family, including elderly members and young children.
The Telangana Fire Department received the emergency call at 6:16 AM and dispatched 11 fire engines within a minute. Firefighters utilized breathing apparatus and oxygen masks to conduct rescue operations. Despite their efforts, the rapid spread of the fire and structural challenges impeded the rescue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragedy, stating, "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." He announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conveyed his profound shock and directed officials to intensify rescue operations and provide the best possible medical care to the injured. He assured that the government would extend all necessary support to the affected families.
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess any lapses in safety protocols. The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in mixed-use buildings in densely populated urban areas.
The tragic event underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of building safety regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.
