A devastating fire broke out early Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, in a building located at Gulzar Houz near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar, resulting in the tragic loss of 17 lives, including eight children under the age of 10. The building housed both residential and commercial units, including a jewelry store on the ground floor and living spaces above.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit. The building’s narrow staircase and single exit, which was blocked by the fire, hindered rescue efforts and trapped occupants inside. Local residents acted as first responders, attempting to rescue those trapped. One eyewitness recounted a heartbreaking scene where a woman was found embracing her children in an attempt to protect them from the flames.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
