Seventeen people, a majority of them being children, were killed in a fire that broke out at a building in Gulzar House, close to the iconic Charminar, on Sunday. 

The Fire and Rescue Services received an alert around 6.30 am and rushed teams to the location, reported PTI. Several individuals were found unconscious and were immediately transported to different hospitals for treatment, according to a fire department official.

"All 17 who were shifted to hospitals were brought dead," a senior police official told PTI. A narrow staircase was the only escape route for the inmates of the building, but they could not rush out in time.

According to the police, the building housed jewellery shops on the ground floor and people were residing in a flat above. Smoke spread, causing people to suffocate, they added.

Speaking to the media after visiting the spot, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that a short circuit caused the fire. The Minister said, "We will order an inquiry into the fire accident. There is no conspiracy angle in it."

PM Modi announces financial assistance

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives due to the fire tragedy. He announced ₹2 lakh for the kin of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured.

“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,” the post said.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the tragedy and directed senior officials to take all necessary measures to rescue those trapped in the building.

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