Charminar Fire Horror: 17 from One Family, Including 8 Children, Killed in Hyderabad Blaze
A tragic fire early Sunday morning in Hyderabad’s Gulzar House, near the famous Charminar, has devastated an entire family, killing 17 members, including eight children. The incident has shocked the city and brought attention to the lack of fire safety measures in densely populated historic areas.
What Sparked the Fire?
The fire reportedly began at 6:10 a.m. in a jewellery shop on the ground floor of a three-storey building. Officials suspect a short circuit as the likely cause. The flames quickly spread upwards, where the family lived, trapping everyone inside.
A major fire broke out in #Gulzar House near #Charminar #Hyderabad
— Neetu Khandelwal (@T_Investor_) May 18, 2025
17 people lost their life and many are critically injured.
Cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/vyhvut3Bzw
Although the fire was reported by 6:17 a.m., by the time 70 firefighters and 11 fire engines arrived, thick smoke had already filled the structure. Most victims died of smoke inhalation, not burns.
#HyderabadFire :
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) May 18, 2025
Swift Action by #firefighters of #Chandrayangutta Fire Station, Saves 50 lives, including 17 children, from a #FireAccident
in #Mailardevpally limits, #Hyderabad .
A major tragedy was averted on Sunday when firefighters rescued 50 people, including 17… pic.twitter.com/JgrKDD4N7I
Narrow Lanes, One Exit Delay Rescue
According to DCP Sneha Mehra, the building had only one narrow entrance, which made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Fire crews had to break open a second access point to enter. “Most victims were unconscious when found,” she stated. Many old buildings in the area suffer from similar access and safety limitations.
Inspected the fire accident site at Gulzar House near Charminar, Hyderabad today. Discussed with senior officials handling the situation regarding rescue and relief operations, and urged them to provide immediate medical support and help.
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) May 18, 2025
The Govt. of India will provide… pic.twitter.com/GMwhlM47ZH
Full Family Wiped Out
The victims include four elderly people — Prahlad (70), Munni (70), Rajender Modi (65), Sumitra (60) — as well as adults Sheetal (35), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36), Rajini (32), and Abhishek.
The eight children who died were:
- Hamey (7)
- Priyansh (4)
- Iraaj (2)
- Arushi (3)
- Rishabh (4)
- Pratham (1)
- Anuyan (3)
- Iddu (4)
Government & Leaders Respond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for each victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured via the PM National Relief Fund.
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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 18, 2025
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be…
Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar confirmed that all bodies have been recovered and post-mortem examinations are being conducted. He also promised a detailed report on the incident.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed officials to offer full medical support to the injured and assistance to the affected families. He is closely monitoring developments through Minister Prabhakar.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the scene and stressed the need to upgrade emergency services. He said he would request central assistance for the victims’ families.
BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao called the fire “extremely shocking” and expressed his sympathy, while Congress MP M. Anil Kumar Yadav commended the rescue efforts under difficult conditions.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi shared that the family had lived in the neighborhood for generations and urged for stronger fire and emergency infrastructure in heritage zones.
A Broader Warning
The fire highlights the urgent need for safety upgrades in old and densely packed areas. Poor infrastructure, a lack of emergency exits, and outdated construction norms continue to pose risks in many similar neighborhoods.
Investigation Underway
An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing. Officials emphasize that this tragedy must become a turning point for fire safety reforms. Both state and central governments have pledged ongoing support for the victims’ families and efforts to prevent such disasters in the future.
