Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and directed senior officials to take all necessary measures to rescue those trapped in the building.
At least 17 people, including children, lost their lives in a devastating fire that erupted in a building located at Gulzar House near the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad on Sunday. A senior official from a private hospital confirmed to the news agency PTI that eight individuals were brought in dead.
According to a Fire department official, they received a call at around 6.30 am and rushed to the spot. Several people were found unconscious and shifted to various hospitals. According to local people, about 30 people were present in the building at the time of the incident.
17 people died: Who are they?
According to the fire department, 17 people died in the fire that broke out in a building at the Gulzar House near Charminar in Hyderabad early this morning.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the fire and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.
“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. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Narendra Modim” PMO said in an X post quoting the Prime Minister.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the tragic incident and instructed senior officials to take all necessary steps to rescue those who may still be trapped inside the building.
An official release from the CMO said directions were issued to immediately shift the injured to hospitals and ensure proper medical treatment.
How did the fire broke out?
Union Minister and state BJP chief G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar reached Gulzar House near Charminar, where a massive fire broke out in a building. Former MLA from Charminar constituency, AIMIM leader Mumtaz Ahmed Khan was also present at the spot.
After visiting the site, the Union Minister told the media the fire broke out in a pearl shop owned by a family due to a short circuit. “The fire broke out in a pearl shop owned by a family. Their house was on the floor above the shop. The accident happened due to a short circuit,” he said.
“Police informed that eight people are dead in the fire accident. But the figure has to be confirmed by them only,” he said, adding that some children are among the dead.
“I am not blaming anyone, but since Hyderabad is a rapidly developing city, the police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments should be strengthened. The fire departments here do not have enough equipment. The family told me that the fire tenders had insufficient equipment until 7:30 am. The state government must allocate more money to the fire department. After speaking to the Prime Minister, I will get the central government to provide financial assistance for the families of the deceased,” he added.
An AIMIM legislator at the spot told the media that, as per initial reports, about 20 people were taken to hospitals.
(With PTI inputs)
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