Telangana CM orders probe into Gulzar Houz fire near Charminar that killed 17
Hyderabad: A major fire broke out early Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, in a G+2 building at Gulzar Houz Chowrasta near Charminar, claiming the lives of 17 people. The fire started on the ground floor and quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping residents inside. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and ordered a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
The Telangana State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire Department received the alert at 6:16 a.m. Firefighters from multiple stations, including Moghalpura, High Court, Gowliguda, Salarjung, Museum, CLB, Hazmat, Gandhi Outpost, HPF101, Rajendranagar, Secretariat, and Langer House, responded to the call. A total of 12 firefighting units, including 11 vehicles, one advanced firefighting robot, and a Bronto Skylift hydraulic platform, were involved in the rescue and firefighting operations.
Seventeen individuals trapped on the first floor were succumbed to their injuries. The deceased include elderly residents, young parents, and several children. The victims are Prahlad (70), Munni (70), Rajendar Modi (65), Sumitra (60), Hamey (7), Abhishek (31), Sheetal (35), Priyansh (4), Iraaj (2), Arushi (3), Rishabh (4), Pratham (1.5), Anuyan (3), Varsha (35), Pankaj (36), Rajini (32), and Iddu (4).
Due to narrow access lanes and dense construction in the Old City area, assistance was called from multiple fire stations to support the operation. Seventeen officers and 70 personnel worked for over two hours to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy monitored the situation closely, coordinating with fire and police officials. He directed ministers and top officials to reach the site and oversee relief efforts. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the location and, along with IG Nagireddy, ensured that the injured received timely medical attention. The Chief Minister also spoke with the families of the victims and assured them of government support.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister praised the fire personnel for their quick response and efforts in rescuing people under difficult conditions. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the extent of property damage is yet to be assessed.
