Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, May 18: A devastating fire tore through a building near Gulzar Houz, close to the historic Charminar, early Sunday morning, killing at least eight people, including two children and four women. Several others were injured in what officials say may have been caused by a short circuit.
The fire erupted around 6 a.m. in a ground-plus-one structure located in a congested commercial lane. The building housed the well-known Modi Pearls shop on the ground floor, while the first floor served as the residence for the owner’s family and employees—about 30 people in total.
Thick smoke quickly engulfed the structure, causing panic and unconsciousness among many trapped inside. Firefighters, battling limited access in the narrow lanes, managed to rescue several occupants. However, eight lives were lost in the blaze. The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Kumar (67), Sumitra (65), Munni Bai (72), Abhishek Modi (30), Arushi Jain (17), Sheetal Jain (37), Arashadi (7), and Iraj (2).
Eight fire engines were deployed to control the flames, and senior police officials rushed to the scene. Victims with injuries were taken to hospitals including Osmania, Yashoda Malakpet, Apollo DRDO, and Apollo Hyderguda.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who visited the site, acknowledged a delay in the initial response from fire services and confirmed that a preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit sparked the fire. He pledged to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend financial aid to the affected families.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, he is in constant contact with police and fire department officials for updates and support coordination.
Charminar MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali also visited the site and spoke to rescue officials.
This fire comes just two days after a similar incident in Siddi Amber Bazar, where about ten people were rescued from a burning multistorey building. In light of recent events, Minister Kishan Reddy emphasized the need for stringent fire safety inspections and coordination among the police, fire services, GHMC, and electricity departments to prevent future tragedies.