17 Die In Gulzar Houz Fire Incident

A devastating fire at Gulzar Houz near Charminar today claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including seven children.

Several others are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals. Some of them are in critical condition.

The dead have been identified as jeweller Prahlad Modi, his wife Munni and their children and grandchildren.

The fire broke out in the early hours in a ground-plus-two-storey building located on the road from Gulzar Houz to Charminar. An explosion caused by an air conditioner compressor led to a loud blast, which accelerated the spread of the fire.

Since the incident occurred at dawn, the thick smoke made it more difficult for those inside to escape. Three victims reportedly died on the spot due to suffocation from the smoke and flames.

At the time of the incident, 30 people were inside the building, and 17 have been confirmed dead.

Firefighters, alerted by local residents, rushed to the scene to rescue the injured and evacuate others from the building. Upon arrival, they found many of the occupants unconscious.

The police cordoned off the roads leading to Charminar as the flames began to spread to nearby structures.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the site following directions from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He gathered details about the incident from Fire Services Director General Nagi Reddy and South Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police Sneha Mishra.

Speaking at the scene, Prabhakar said, "Accidents are unpredictable, and politicising such events is not right. The fire brigade responded swiftly and began rescue operations without delay. I assure the affected families that the government stands with them and will provide full support."