Hyderabad: A deadly fire broke out in Hyderabad’s Gulzar House near Charminar early Sunday, claiming 17 lives eight of them children after a suspected short circuit filled the building with toxic smoke. The victims, all from one family, had gathered for a summer holiday when the tragedy struck.
How It Happened:
The blaze reportedly started on the ground floor, where pearl shops operate, and spread rapidly. Poor ventilation, closed windows, and a single narrow exit turned the building into a death trap. Officials confirmed the victims died from smoke inhalation, not burns.
“There were no burn injuries. The smoke suffocated them,” said Y Naggi Reddy of Telangana’s Fire Services, as reported by NDTV. Firefighters struggled to reach victims due to the cramped layout, forcing them to create an alternate entry.
The deceased included four sisters and their children visiting for the holidays. Locals blamed frequent power fluctuations, with traders urging safety upgrades in the area’s aging buildings.
PM Modi and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy offered condolences and compensation. Authorities denied claims of water shortages hindering rescue efforts.