Asleep when the fire broke out, victims had little chance to escape the flames that tore through a mixed-use building near Charminar, reigniting concerns over Old City’s emergency preparedness.
BY PC Bureau
May 18, 2025 – A devastating fire broke out early Sunday morning in a building at Gulzar House near the historic Charminar in Hyderabad’s Old City, claiming 17 lives and leaving several others injured. The blaze, which erupted between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, has sent shockwaves through the community and is being counted among the city’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years.
The fire originated in a ground-plus-one structure housing Modi Pearls, a well-known pearl trader’s shop on the ground floor, with residential quarters above, occupied by the trader’s family and employees. At the time of the fire, approximately 30 people were inside the building, most of them asleep. Thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames left many trapped, leading to deaths from suffocation and severe burns.
The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Kumar (67), Sumitra (65), Munni Bai (72), Abhishek Modi (30), Arushi Jain (17), Sheetal Jain (37), Harshali Gupta (7), and Iraj (2), including two children, three women, and three men.
Eight people including two women and two children feared dead in the fire accident near Gulzar House, Charminar in #Hyderabad @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/HzzooRXrRN
— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) May 18, 2025
Firefighters responded swiftly, deploying 10 to 11 fire tenders to the scene. However, the congested lanes of the Patthergatti area and the building’s structure hampered rescue operations, allowing the fire to spread rapidly. Emergency personnel managed to rescue between 14 and 16 people, while around 10 injured victims were admitted to nearby hospitals including DRDO Hospital, Osmania General Hospital, and private clinics. Several were found unconscious due to smoke inhalation.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit, possibly involving an air conditioning unit, as a likely trigger. Fire officials have yet to confirm the cause pending a detailed forensic examination.
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Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed senior officials to prioritize rescue efforts and ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the site, calling for stricter and more regular safety inspections by the police, fire department, GHMC, and electricity authorities. Charminar MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali also visited the location to console the grieving families.
Tragic, at least 8 people died, after a major #fire 🔥 broke out in a building at #GulzarHouse Road near #Charminar this morning today.
More than 10 fire engines reached the spot and the fire fighters 🚒 trying to douse the fire.
Police, fire… pic.twitter.com/AyAI6zy6JY
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) May 18, 2025
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The tragedy has reignited concerns over fire safety in Hyderabad’s densely populated Old City, where narrow streets and aging infrastructure severely hinder emergency responses. Just two days earlier, a fire in a multistorey building in Siddi Amber Bazar led to the dramatic rescue of 10 individuals, underscoring a pattern of recurring fire hazards.
In 2024 alone, Hyderabad recorded over 2,500 fire incidents, resulting in reported losses exceeding ₹822 crore—figures that highlight the urgent need for comprehensive fire safety reforms.
As grieving residents and shopkeepers gathered at the scene, many voiced anguish over the lives lost and property damaged. The fire has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with mixed-use buildings in commercial hubs like Gulzar House, where commercial and residential spaces often coexist without adequate fire prevention measures.
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Authorities are now urging residents and business owners to adopt stringent safety practices, including regular electrical inspections and the installation of fire alarms and extinguishers. This tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the pressing need for proactive fire safety measures to protect lives in one of India’s most vibrant and historically significant cities.
