Hyderabad: A massive fire broke out early Sunday morning, May 18, at Gulzar House near Charminar, claiming 17 lives and injuring around 10 others.
8 children dead, 4 women injured
The victims 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.
According to reports, the fire erupted around 6 am at the Srikrishna Pearls building. Thick smoke quickly filled the premises, causing several people to lose consciousness. About 30 individuals were inside at the time, including the family of a pearl trader and his employees.
Upon receiving the alert, eleven fire tenders rushed to the scene to battle the blaze. Firefighters successfully rescued several people trapped inside the ground-plus-one building, located in a narrow, congested lane within a bustling commercial area.
Injured have been admitted to Osmania, Yashoda Malakpet, Apollo DRDO and Apollo Hyderguda hospitals.
Advanced technology deployed to aid rescue efforts
When the Moghalpura fire station arrived at the scene, they immediately recognised the severity of the situation and called for additional support, leading to the deployment of twelve fire tenders. In total, eleven vehicles, 17 fire officers, and 70 personnel battled the fierce blaze engulfing the building.
Despite their efforts, the fire showed no signs of abating, and time was running out. To accelerate the rescue operation, the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services deployed advanced technology, including a fire robot and a Bronto Skylift hydraulic platform.
After nearly a two-hour battle, the fire finally came under control.
Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General Y Nagi Reddy, who inspected the spot, told reporters that preliminary investigations reveal a short circuit as the cause of the fire accident.
In photos: Aftermath of Hyderabad fire accident
Kin alleges delayed arrival of ambulance
The Congress MP Anil Kumar Yadav and GHMC Mayor Vijayalakshmi Gadwal visited Osmania General Hospital (OGH) to assess the situation after a fire accident. However, family members of the victims confronted the MP, alleging a delayed arrival of the ambulance at the accident site.
The victims’ relatives said, “Sixteen members of my family died. A six-year-old girl could have been saved if the ambulance had arrived on time.”
They also alleged that the ambulance lacked oxygen masks.
PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for victims’ families
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the fire accident in a building in Hyderabad. He also announced solatium of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
“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 given Rs. 50,000:PM,” read the post by the Prime Minister’s Office.
State to provide Rs 5 lakh aid to families of Hyderabad fire victims
The Telangana government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic fire accident.
The deputy chief minister, Bhatti Vikramarka, made the announcement while addressing the media at the Osmania Hospital mortuary, where he met with grieving families. Describing the incident as “extremely unfortunate,” he said the entire cabinet was deeply pained by the tragedy.
Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and directed officials to take immediate steps to rescue those trapped in the blaze. According to the chief minister’s office (CMO), he remains in constant touch with police and fire service authorities and has instructed them to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
Meanwhile, Charminar MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali visited the accident site and held discussions with officials overseeing the rescue and relief operations.
KTR, Asaduddin Owaisi, AP CM react
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao also expressed shock over the fire tragedy.
“Extremely shocked and pained!! Details emerging from the Gulzar House fire tragedy in Old City are very sad. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. Hoping and praying that this fire will be contained very soon BRS team will be available for anything that you may need,” Rama Rao posted.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, expressed his regret about the fire accident in Hyderabad, stating, “A painful incident happened today in Gulzar House. The family had been living in this area for 125 years. All 17 of the deceased were immediate family members. It is a matter of great sorrow… I offer my condolences.”
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has also expressed grief over the fire accident.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in the tragic fire at Gulzar House, Hyderabad. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” CM Naidu posted on ‘X’.
(The article has been updated to include the latest figures on deaths and injuries from the fire accident, along with statements from Asaduddin Owaisi, and announcements of ex gratia payments by PM Modi and the State government to the families of the deceased.)
