Firefighters carry out rescue and relief work after a fire broke out in a building near Gulzar Houz in the Old City area of Hyderabad in Telangana. (PTI Photo)
- YaHind News
Hyderabad, May 18, 2025: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at Gulzar House, near the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad’s Old City, claiming the lives of 17 people, including eight children and five women. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, has left the city in shock, prompting swift responses from both state and central authorities. The Telangana government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for each victim’s kin and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The fire erupted around 6:00 AM at the Srikrishna Pearls building, a ground-plus-one structure housing the well-known Modi Pearls shop on the ground floor and residential quarters above. Thick smoke filled the premises, causing many occupants to lose consciousness, severely hampering evacuation efforts. According to the Telangana Fire Disaster Response and Civil Defence, the fire department received a call at 6:16 AM and dispatched 11 fire engines, supported by 70 personnel and advanced firefighting robots, to the scene by 6:17 AM. Despite their efforts, the narrow staircase and congested layout of the building contributed to the high death toll, with most victims succumbing to asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation.
The victims, all from the same family that had lived in the area for over 125 years, have been identified as Prahlad (70), Munni (70), Rajendar Modi (65), Sumitra (60), Hamey (7), Abhishek (31), Sheetal (35), Priyansh (4), Iraaj (2), Arushi (3), Rishabh (4), Pratham (1.5), Anuyan (3), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36), Rajini (32), and Iddu (4). Approximately 10 others were injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals, including Osmania General Hospital, DRDO Hospital, and private facilities. The state government has assured that it will cover all medical expenses for the injured.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, directing senior officials to intensify rescue operations and ensure the best medical care for the injured. “The loss of so many lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking. We stand with the affected families and are committed to providing all necessary support,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, who visited the site, announced the ₹5 lakh ex-gratia and noted that the fire’s cause—potentially a short circuit or gas cylinder blast—is under investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, 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.” President Droupadi Murmu and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also offered their condolences, with Kharge assuring that the Telangana government is taking all necessary relief measures.
Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy, who inspected the site, highlighted the need for stronger fire safety measures in Hyderabad’s rapidly developing urban areas. “This tragedy occurred in a pearl shop owned by a family living above it. The fire, caused by a short circuit, spread rapidly. While I’m not blaming anyone, departments like police, fire, electricity, and municipality must be better equipped to prevent such incidents,” he said. Reddy also called for improved technology and infrastructure for the fire department, noting initial reports of inadequate equipment.
AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi visited the site and the Post-Mortem Examination Centre at Osmania Hospital, expressing grief over the loss of a family that had been part of the area’s fabric for over a century. “I spoke to the Director General of Fire Services, who confirmed most deaths were due to smoke inhalation. We must implement stricter fire safety measures based on this incident,” he said. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao also extended condolences, pledging support to the affected families.
The fire, one of Hyderabad’s deadliest in recent years, has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for enhanced fire safety regulations, particularly in congested commercial hubs like Gulzar House, known for its century-old jewellery shops and narrow lanes. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and prevent future tragedies.
Sources: Agencies
