Tragic Fire Near Charminar Kills 17, Including 8 Children, in Hyderabad

A catastrophic fire erupted at Gulzar House near Hyderabad’s historic Charminar on 18 May 2025, killing eight people and injuring over a dozen. The blaze, which began around 6:00 AM in a building housing commercial and residential units, spread rapidly, trapping occupants in dense smoke. Firefighters, with 11 tenders, are engaged in ongoing rescue operations, as the city grapples with one of its deadliest fires in recent years, prompting urgent calls for safety reforms.

Outbreak and Rapid Spread
The fire is believed to have originated in a ground-floor commercial unit, possibly a pearl shop, where flammable materials fueled its rapid spread. By 6:30 AM, emergency calls alerted the fire department, which deployed units from stations like Moghalpura and Langar Houz. Thick black smoke enveloped the upper residential floors, suffocating residents, including two women and two children among the deceased. 

Rescue Operations Underway
 Using a Bronto Skylift and robotic tenders, they rescued 16 people, many suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Rescue efforts continue, with fears that more may be trapped. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy ordered immediate medical aid and support for survivors.

Official Response and Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs. 2 lakh compensation for the deceased’s families and Rs. 50,000 for the injured, expressing condolences on X. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy visited the site, stressing the need for stronger municipal and fire safety coordination. Local AIMIM leaders reported 20 hospitalizations, reflecting the disaster’s scale. Hyderabad’s residents mourn, with social media abuzz with grief and demands for accountability.

A Recurring Concern
Lax safety regulations and inadequate fire prevention measures in densely packed areas like Gulzar House exacerbated the disaster. As the city mourns, this incident underscores the urgent need for modernized building codes and rigorous safety inspections to prevent future losses.