A devastating fire near Hyderabad's historic Charminar has claimed the lives of at least eight people, with reports indicating that the toll could rise. The fire broke out early Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, in a building located in the Gulzar House area, a bustling commercial hub close to the iconic monument.
The blaze reportedly erupted at approximately 6:00 AM in the Srikrishna Pearls building, quickly engulfing the structure. Eleven fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene to combat the inferno. Firefighters struggled for hours to control the flames and rescue those trapped inside.
According to initial reports, the building housed both commercial establishments on the ground floor and residential spaces on the upper floors. This mixed occupancy contributed to the severity of the tragedy, as many residents were caught unaware in the early morning hours.
Emergency services, including fire personnel, police, and disaster response teams, worked tirelessly to evacuate the building and provide medical assistance to the injured. Several people were found unconscious within the premises and were rushed to nearby hospitals. At least 10 people have sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
Osmania General Hospital's Resident Medical Officer confirmed that six people were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Other injured individuals were transported to various private hospitals in the city for treatment. Tragically, among the deceased are reportedly some children, although official identification is still pending.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Fire officials have stated that investigations are underway to determine the exact source, with preliminary suspicions pointing towards a possible short circuit. Authorities are meticulously examining the scene to gather evidence and ascertain the sequence of events that led to the disaster.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has expressed profound shock and grief over the incident. He has directed senior officials to prioritize rescue efforts, ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care, and provide support to the families of the victims.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy visited the site to assess the situation and offer condolences. He assured that he would communicate with the central government and the Prime Minister to seek financial assistance for the bereaved families.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Hyderabad, particularly in the Charminar area, a historic and densely populated part of the city. The narrow lanes and closely packed buildings in the area pose significant challenges for firefighting operations, exacerbating the impact of such incidents.
This tragic fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in residential and commercial buildings. Regular inspections, proper maintenance of electrical systems, and readily available fire-fighting equipment are crucial to prevent such devastating losses. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns on fire safety and evacuation procedures can empower citizens to respond effectively in emergencies.
As investigations continue and authorities work to provide relief to the affected families, the city mourns the lives lost in this heartbreaking incident. The focus remains on supporting the injured, ensuring a thorough investigation, and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
