Hyderabad Fire LIVE Updates: 17 Killed in Massive Fire Near Charminar, PM Announces Ex-Gratia for Victims

Hyderabad Fire LIVE Updates: A devastating fire near Charminar in Hyderabad has claimed 17 lives, including two children. PM Modi announces financial aid for victims’ families. Read full details.

Hyderabad, May 18, 2025: In a heart-wrenching tragedy that shook the city, 17 people lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out in a multi-storey building near the iconic Charminar on Saturday night. The victims included two young children and three women, highlighting the scale of the disaster that unfolded in one of Hyderabad’s most densely populated areas.

According to officials, the fire broke out late in the evening and quickly spread through the structure, believed to house both commercial and residential units. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the blaze had already engulfed much of the building by the time they arrived.

A senior official from Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, confirmed that eight people were brought dead to their facility. “Unfortunately, eight patients were brought dead to Yashoda Hospital,” said hospital sources, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. Several others were shifted to nearby hospitals with serious burn injuries and smoke inhalation issues.

The deceased include a two-year-old and a seven-year-old child, adding to the emotional toll of the tragedy. The local community, as well as the entire city, has been left in mourning as rescue operations continue and authorities investigate the cause of the fire.

PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Relief

In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives. Additionally, ₹50,000 will be provided to the injured to help them cope with medical expenses.

“Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the fire incident near Charminar in Hyderabad. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Prayers for the injured,” the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Investigation Underway

Fire department officials are currently probing the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit might have triggered the blaze, but confirmation is awaited. Several fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames, and a forensic team is expected to survey the site today.

Authorities have promised a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future, especially in heritage zones like Charminar where narrow lanes and congested structures pose challenges for rescue and relief operations.