Hyderabad Charminar Fire Accident: 17 Dead, Probe Ordered Into Safety Violations
In a heartbreaking incident that shook the city of Hyderabad, at least 17 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a massive fire broke out in a commercial building near the historic Charminar monument. The Hyderabad Charminar Fire accident occurred on the evening of May 18, 2025, at the bustling Gulzar Houz area, known for its dense commercial activity and crowded streets.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to eyewitnesses and officials, the fire erupted in a four-storey commercial complex located just a few hundred meters from Charminar. The building housed multiple fabric shops, godowns, and small residential units, with narrow stairways and limited ventilation.
The Telangana Fire Department confirmed that the fire likely originated on the ground floor, possibly due to a short circuit or the ignition of flammable materials like textiles and chemicals stored in bulk. Within minutes, the flames engulfed the upper floors, trapping many people inside.
“We heard a loud noise and saw smoke pouring out. People were screaming from the windows for help,” said a local vendor who was present near the scene.
Rescue Operations: A Race Against Time
Upon receiving emergency calls around 6:45 PM, 11 fire tenders and several rescue teams were dispatched to the site. Firefighters faced severe difficulties due to:
- Congested lanes around the building.
- Lack of accessible emergency exits.
- Flammable materials accelerating the spread of the fire.
The rescue operation continued for over five hours, with firefighters breaking windows and using ladders to reach those trapped. Emergency medical teams were also deployed to treat the injured and administer CPR to those unconscious due to smoke inhalation.
“Many victims died due to suffocation before help could reach them,” said a senior official from the Telangana Disaster Response Force.
Casualties and Injuries
As of the latest reports, 17 people have been confirmed dead, including workers, shopkeepers, and two children. Around 10 people sustained severe burns and injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in nearby hospitals like Osmania General and NIMS.
Several of the deceased have not yet been identified, and DNA tests may be required for conclusive identification due to the extent of the burns.
Family members gathered in large numbers at the hospitals and at the site, with scenes of anguish and despair playing out late into the night.
Chief Minister’s Response and Compensation
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
In a statement, he said:
“It is a deeply painful day for Hyderabad. I have instructed officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured and a thorough probe into how this tragedy occurred.”
The CM also directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and fire services to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of all commercial buildings in the Charminar zone, known for its heritage architecture but also overcrowding and poor enforcement of fire safety norms.
Investigation and Safety Violations
A high-level inquiry has been launched into the fire incident. Initial reports suggest multiple fire safety violations, including:
- Absence of fire extinguishers or sprinklers.
- Inadequate emergency exits.
- Overloaded electric circuits.
- Illegal storage of flammable items.
GHMC officials stated that the building did not have a valid fire safety certificate, raising serious questions about how such establishments continue to operate unchecked in densely populated urban zones.
The Hyderabad Police have registered an FIR under sections related to negligence and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The building owner and shop leaseholders are likely to be questioned, and further arrests could follow.
Concerns Over Safety Near Heritage Zones
The area around Charminar, a UNESCO-recognized heritage zone, is home to hundreds of commercial establishments, many of which are decades old and lack modern safety infrastructure. Experts have repeatedly flagged concerns about:
- Encroachments.
- Haphazard construction.
- Unregulated electricity usage.
- Lack of emergency preparedness.
Urban planning experts have urged authorities to conduct immediate structural audits and implement fire drills and awareness campaigns, especially in areas with high footfall and tourist presence.
Public Reactions and Grief
The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief across the city, with residents taking to social media to express condolences and demand stricter action against negligent building owners. Many pointed out that this is not the first such incident in Hyderabad, highlighting the 2022 Bhoiguda fire where 11 people had died under similar circumstances.
Conclusion
The Hyderabad Charminar fire accident stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for fire safety enforcement in India’s urban centers. As families grieve and officials scramble to take corrective steps, the city hopes this tragedy will lead to long-overdue reforms in fire safety norms, building regulations, and emergency preparedness.
Authorities have vowed to ensure accountability, but the true test will be whether lessons are learned and applied—before another preventable disaster strikes.