A devastating fire broke out early Sunday morning at a building in Hyderabad’s Gulzar House, near the iconic Charminar, claiming the lives of 17 people, according to fire department officials. The fire, which began around 6 a.m., spread rapidly, making rescue efforts challenging despite the prompt arrival of fire services.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he was “deeply anguished” by the loss of lives in the fire at a building at Hyderabad’s Gulzar House early this morning.
Eleven fire engines were dispatched to the scene to bring the flames under control. Telangana Director General of Police Dr. Jitender, Union Minister and Telangana BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy, State Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, and Charminar MLA Mir Zulfeqar Ali visited the site to oversee rescue and relief efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister’s Office wrote, “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.” The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Speaking at the scene, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar confirmed that the fire broke out around 6 a.m. and the state fire department arrived within minutes. Despite efforts to rescue those trapped, the fire had already spread extensively. He assured that the state government will provide full support to the victims’ families and conduct a detailed review of fire safety measures.
BRS President K.T. Rama Rao also conveyed his condolences via X, calling the incident “extremely shocking and painful.” He added that the BRS team stands ready to assist in any way necessary.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and officials have pledged to enhance fire safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
