A devastating fire near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar has left the city in shock and mourning. In the early hours of Sunday, May 18, 2025, a massive blaze broke out at a three-storey building in the Gulzar Houz area, killing 17 people-including eight children-and injuring several others. This tragedy is now being called Hyderabad’s worst fire disaster in recent years.
How Did the Fire Start?
The fire began around 6:00 am in a century-old building that housed jewelry shops on the ground floor and residential apartments above. According to fire officials, an electrical short circuit in the main panel is suspected to have triggered the blaze. Sparks from the short circuit spread quickly through a wooden panel, igniting a blast in an air conditioner compressor and causing the fire to grow rapidly.
Why Was the Fire So Deadly?
Several factors made this fire especially deadly:
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Single Entry and Exit: The building had only one entry point, which quickly became blocked by flames. This made escape almost impossible for those inside.
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Closed Windows: The windows were shut, likely due to air conditioning. With no way for smoke to escape, the building filled with toxic fumes, turning it into a “gas chamber”.
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No Fire Safety Systems: Initial reports indicate the building lacked basic fire safety measures, such as alarms and accessible escape routes.
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Asphyxiation: Most victims, including the children, died from inhaling smoke rather than burn injuries. They lost consciousness within minutes.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims were members of a jeweler’s family, spanning three generations and gathered for a weekend get-together during the school summer break. The youngest was just two years old, and the oldest was 73. Four family members survived because they were not at home at the time.
Emergency Response
Firefighters received the distress call around 6:30 am and rushed to the scene with 11 fire engines. It took them more than two hours to control the blaze, by which time the building was gutted. Rescue operations were hampered by the narrow staircase and blocked entry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. Local leaders also visited the site and called for stronger fire safety measures.
Raising Questions About Fire Safety
This tragedy has once again highlighted serious gaps in fire safety enforcement in Hyderabad:
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Lack of Compliance: Many buildings in the city, especially older ones, do not follow fire safety rules. This includes not having proper exits, alarms, or firefighting equipment.
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Regulatory Failure: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other authorities have struggled to enforce safety norms. Notices and audits are often issued after accidents, but real change on the ground is slow.
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Repeat Incidents: Hyderabad has seen several major fires in recent years, but lessons have not always been learned. After each tragedy, promises are made, but enforcement remains weak.
Why This Matters
Fires like the one near Charminar are not rare in India. Many cities have old buildings that mix commercial and residential spaces, often without proper safety systems. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that safety regulations must not be ignored, and authorities need to ensure strict compliance to prevent future disasters.
What Needs to Change?
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Regular Inspections: Authorities must conduct regular and thorough fire safety checks, especially in older and mixed-use buildings.
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Strict Enforcement: Buildings that fail to meet safety standards should face penalties, and repeat offenders must be held accountable.
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Public Awareness: Residents and business owners should be educated about fire risks and the importance of keeping exits clear and safety equipment functional.
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Modernization: Upgrading electrical systems and installing modern fire alarms and extinguishers can save lives.
Final Note
The fire near Charminar has left a deep scar on Hyderabad, taking away 17 lives-eight of them children-who had gathered for a joyful family reunion. While the city mourns, the incident must serve as a wake-up call for both authorities and citizens. Fire safety is not just a rule to follow; it is a responsibility that can make the difference between life and death. Only with collective effort and strict enforcement can such tragedies be prevented in the future.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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