Indian fire tragedy claims 17 lives, including 8 children

A devastating fire near Charminar in Hyderabad claimed the lives of 17 people, including eight children, in the early hours of Sunday. The tragedy unfolded when a blaze erupted at a jewelry store in the Gulzar Houz area, with preliminary reports indicating a short circuit as the likely cause.

According to Indian senior officials, the fire originated on the ground floor of a three-storey building and spread quickly. All victims reportedly died due to smoke inhalation, while eight of them also sustained burn injuries.

Among the deceased were elderly citizens Prahlad (70), Munni (70), Rajendar Modi (65), and Smutra (60), as well as adults Sheetal (35), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36), and Rajini (32). The children who lost their lives included Hamey (7), Iddu (4), Rishab (4), Priyansh (4), Anuyan (3), Arushi (3), Iraaj (2), and Pratham (1).

Emergency services were alerted at 6:17 am, and fire officials stated that fire fighters arrived on the scene within 15 minutes of the call. Despite swift action, the intensity of the smoke left little time for many to escape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakhs for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” he said in a post on X.

According to Indian media reports investigations continue, the state remains in mourning over one of the deadliest fire tragedies in recent memory, leaving a deep scar on the heart of Hyderabad.