By The Sampadak Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragic loss of lives in a massive fire that broke out early Sunday morning at a building in Hyderabad’s Gulzar House, near the iconic Charminar. The fire claimed the lives of at least 17 people, according to fire department officials.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister’s Office conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. “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,” the post read.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those who died, and Rs 50,000 for those injured.The fire reportedly started around 6:00 am, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Eleven fire engines were deployed to control the blaze. Despite the efforts, the fire had already spread rapidly, resulting in significant casualties.
Union Minister and state BJP president G. Kishan Reddy, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, and Charminar MLA Mir Zulfeqar Ali visited the site. Reddy termed the incident “heartbreaking” and assured all necessary support to the affected families.
BRS President K.T. Rama Rao also expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he wrote, “Extremely shocked and pained!! Details emerging out of Gulzar House fire tragedy in Old City are very sad. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. The BRS team will be available for any assistance.”
Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the fire department reached the spot within 16 minutes of the alert. “Despite efforts, the fire had already spread massively. Most of the residents inside the building unfortunately did not survive,” he said. The Minister added that the state government would extend full support to the affected families and conduct a thorough fire safety review to prevent such incidents in the future.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
