8 children among 17 killed in Hyderabad fire incident

NEW DELHI: At least 17 people, including eight children, lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed a mixed-use building in Gulzar Houz, near Charminar, Hyderabad.

The blaze, one of the city’s deadliest in recent years, broke out around 5.30 am while most residents were asleep, according to preliminary reports from the fire department.

The fire originated on the commercial ground floor, rapidly filling the building with smoke and causing fatal suffocation to many occupants.

Union Minister and Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy confirmed that the fire started due to a short circuit in a pearl shop located on the ground floor.

The family residing above the shop was among those affected. He urged authorities to strengthen police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments to prevent such tragedies as Hyderabad continues to develop rapidly.

In response to the tragedy, Telangana health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha ordered the formation of special medical teams at Osmania General Hospital.

These teams, comprising doctors from plastic surgery, anesthesia, and general surgery departments, are working round the clock to treat fire victims. Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, Director of Medical Education Dr. Narendra Kumar, Director of Health Dr. Ravinder Nayak, and Hyderabad DMHO Dr. Venkat are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating medical efforts to ensure all victims receive specialised care.