Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad
Hyderabad, May 18: In one of the most tragic fire accidents in recent times, at least 17 people, including eight children, lost their lives when a massive fire engulfed a residential-cum-commercial building at Gulzar Houz near Charminar in the early hours of Saturday.
According to officials, the fire broke out around 5.30 am when most of the residents were asleep. The blaze reportedly started from the ground floor which housed a pearl shop and quickly spread through the building, releasing thick smoke that led to fatal suffocation. The family owning the shop also lived on the floor above.
Ten injured residents were rushed to DRDO Hospital, Osmania General Hospital, and a private healthcare facility. Special medical teams have been formed at Osmania General Hospital to offer round-the-clock care to the victims. The teams include specialists from plastic surgery, anesthesia, and general surgery departments.
Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha directed senior health officials to monitor the situation. Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, Director of Medical Education Dr. Narendra Kumar, Director of Health Dr. Ravinder Nayak, and Hyderabad DMHO Dr. Venkat are overseeing medical response efforts.
The Prime Minister’s Office expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. PM Narendra Modi in a post on X stated, “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 of Rs 2 lac each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Union Minister and BJP state president G Kishan Reddy confirmed the fire was caused by a short circuit in the pearl shop. “Many have died and several are injured. While I am not blaming anyone, given the pace at which Hyderabad is developing, it’s time to strengthen police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments,” he remarked.
The fire department deployed 11 fire tenders from various stations including Langar Houz, Moghalpura, Gowliguda, Rajendra Nagar, Gandhi Outpost, and Salarjung Museum. Rescue operations were reinforced with two rescue tenders, a Bronto Skylift, three water tenders, and even a robot.
Just four days ago, another fire was reported in Begum Bazar, merely 2 km from this site. Fortunately, no lives were lost in that incident.
Emergency services continue to remain at the site as investigations are underway to ascertain the precise cause of the blaze.