Hyderabad building fire leaves 17 dead near Charminar
Media reports have stated that 17 people died following a fire at a multi-storey building near Charminar in Hyderabad, India, on the morning of 18 May 2025.
The fire began at a jewellery shop on the ground floor of a property in Gulzar Houz and spread quickly through the residential floors above.
According to fire officials, the victims primarily died due to asphyxiation from heavy smoke.
Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General Y. Nagi Reddy said the alarm was raised at 6.16 am and 11 fire tenders were deployed.
He stated: “The entrance of the building, which is narrow, was engulfed with fire and smoke and the access to the first floor through the staircase was only one metre, due to which the occupants were unable to escape. The building had only one entry of two metres, which is like a tunnel.”
Narrow entryways blamed for fire fatalities in Hyderabad
Officials confirmed that the building had limited access and no secondary exits, which contributed to the high number of casualties.
According to The Hindu, two separate entry points – one narrow entrance leading to the home and another to the commercial area – restricted evacuation and hampered rescue operations.
The structure, which housed a pearl trading business and residential quarters, reportedly had no external fire escape route.
DG Y. Nagi Reddy explained that rescue workers had to wear oxygen masks to enter the building due to the level of smoke present.
A firefighter was hospitalised after falling ill during the response.
CM Revanth Reddy orders probe and directs medical aid
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered a full investigation into the incident and instructed officials to provide support to the injured and affected families.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said: “The Chief Minister issued orders to shift the injured to nearby hospitals and provide better medical treatment.”
It added: “He also enquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief operations by the Police and Fire Service wings.”
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka confirmed that ex-gratia payments of ₹5 lakh would be given to the families of each of the deceased.
National and political leaders respond to Hyderabad tragedy
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for each bereaved family and ₹50,000 for injured individuals from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister posted on X: “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.”
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma described the event as distressing and directed authorities to provide all necessary support.
Other political leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, also issued condolences and urged for support measures.
Hyderabad building fire leaves 17 dead near Charminar: Summary
Media reports have confirmed that 17 people died following a fire at a building in Gulzar Houz, Hyderabad.
The incident occurred early on 18 May 2025 and was reported at 6.16 am.
The fire originated in a ground floor jewellery shop.
Asphyxiation was the primary cause of death for the victims.
Fire officials stated the building had narrow entry points which hindered evacuation.
The building lacked alternate exits or external fire escapes.
Rescue operations required use of oxygen masks due to heavy smoke.
One firefighter was hospitalised during the response.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy ordered a probe and directed emergency care.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced ₹5 lakh compensation per deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed national relief of ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured.
Multiple political leaders have expressed condolences.