Massive building fire near Charminar in Telangana kills 16

HYDERABAD, MAY 18 : At least 16 persons lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a major fire that broke out at a jewellery shop in Gulzar House near the historic Charminar in the early hours of Sunday.

According to officials, the fire was reported around 6 a.m. Fire and Emergency Services personnel said they received a distress call following which 12 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Efforts to bring the blaze under control continued for several hours.

Several children are reported to be among the injured. All the victims have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. The condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the incident. Taking to social media platform X, he said: “I have ordered officials to intensify rescue operations.” He also assured that the government would extend all possible support to the affected families.

Union Minister for Coal and Hyderabad MP G. Kishan Reddy visited the site and took stock of the situation. He interacted with officials and enquired about the cause of the fire and the ongoing rescue efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the fire and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each 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 Narendra Modim” PMO said in an X post quoting the Prime Minister.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit could have triggered the blaze. A detailed inquiry is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.

-PTI