A devastating fire early Sunday morning at Gulzar House near Charminar in Hyderabad claimed the lives of 17 members of a jeweller’s family, including eight children, and injured several others. The blaze originated from an electrical short circuit in the jewellery shop on the ground floor and quickly spread to the residential floors above.
Rescue teams deployed 11 fire tenders, a firefighting robot, and over 70 personnel to battle the fire and evacuate survivors. Union Coal Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited the site, promising full assistance and directing officials to provide the best medical care.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The tragedy has reignited urgent calls for improved fire safety measures in Hyderabad’s heritage zones.
Trapped by Design: How the Fire Turned Deadly
The fire broke out around 6:16 am in the jewellery store located on the ground floor of the three-storied Gulzar House, a century-old building situated in a narrow lane near the iconic Charminar. The family, spanning three generations, had gathered in the residence above the shop for a weekend get-together.
According to Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General Y Nagi Reddy, the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. The building’s narrow entrance, a single staircase, and closed windows-likely due to air conditioning-trapped the residents inside, turning the upper floors into a smoke-filled chamber.
Most victims died from asphyxiation caused by inhaling toxic fumes. Firefighters had to break through walls and use oxygen masks to reach trapped survivors. The tragedy highlights how old infrastructure and inadequate emergency exits can turn a fire into a catastrophic event.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The firefighting operation was swift and intense, involving 11 fire tenders, hydraulic platforms, a firefighting robot, and around 70 personnel working for over two hours to bring the blaze under control. Despite the rapid deployment, some relatives expressed frustration over the narrow lanes and lack of proper emergency access, which delayed rescue efforts.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who visited the site, acknowledged the gaps in coordination between municipal, police, fire, and electricity departments and stressed the need for strengthening emergency response systems in Hyderabad.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and announced compensation and support for the affected families. The incident has sparked renewed demands for strict enforcement of fire safety regulations, especially in heritage areas with old buildings that lack modern safety infrastructure.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of rigorous fire safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades, particularly in historic urban neighbourhoods where families live in close quarters above commercial establishments. While we commend the courage and dedication of the first responders and the government’s prompt response, it is clear that systemic reforms are urgently needed to prevent such disasters.
The preservation of cultural heritage must go hand in hand with ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. As a society committed to empathy, coexistence, and positive change, we must collectively advocate for stronger safety standards, better urban planning, and community awareness. How can citizens, authorities, and urban planners collaborate to transform our historic cities into safer, more resilient spaces for future generations?
