A devastating fire ripped through Gulzar House, a commercial and residential building near the iconic Charminar, in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving at least 16 people dead in one of the city’s most heart-wrenching tragedies in recent times.
The blaze is believed to have originated on the first floor and rapidly engulfed multiple levels of the structure, catching many residents off guard as they slept. Firefighters battled the intense flames for hours as black smoke billowed across the old city’s skyline.
Among the victims were four women and two young children, underscoring the magnitude of the human loss. Some of the identified deceased include Abhishek Modi (30), Arushi Jain (17), Harshali Gupta (7), Sheetal Jain (37), Rajender Kumar (67), Sumitra (65), Munni Bai (72), and Iraj (2). Authorities warn that the death toll could rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Government Responds Swiftly
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and has been actively monitoring the situation. He spoke directly with top officials to obtain a comprehensive report and ordered Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to visit the scene immediately and oversee relief operations.
“The government will ensure the best medical care for the injured and provide all necessary support to the grieving families,” said CM Revanth Reddy, who also directed officials to extend rehabilitation efforts and investigate the cause of the fire thoroughly.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also visited the site, met with affected families, and called for stringent action and improved safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
Investigation Underway
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest a short circuit or electrical failure could have triggered the incident. Forensic and fire safety teams are currently analyzing the site to determine the precise sequence of events.
Emergency services personnel, including firefighters, police, and disaster response teams, are continuing their search for survivors and ensuring structural stability in the charred remains of the building.
A City in Mourning
As news of the tragedy spread, residents of Hyderabad expressed their grief and solidarity. Many gathered near the site to offer help, prayers, and support for those impacted by the calamity.
The Gulzar House fire has reignited concerns about fire safety compliance in densely populated urban zones, particularly older buildings in heritage-rich areas like Charminar.
