Solapur Textile Mill Fire: 8 Dead Including Child in Blaze Triggered by Short Circuit

Solapur Textile Mill Fire : A massive fire at Solapur’s Central Textile Mills killed 8 people, including 3 women and a child. Triggered by a short circuit, the blaze highlights urgent fire safety concerns. PM Modi announces ex gratia aid.

Solapur, Maharashtra – May 18, 2025 – In a heart-wrenching tragedy, eight people, including three women and a one-and-a-half-year-old child, lost their lives in a massive fire that erupted at a textile factory in Solapur’s MIDC area on Sunday afternoon. The blaze, reportedly triggered by a short circuit, engulfed the Central Textile Mills located on Akkalkot Road, about 400 km from Mumbai.

Short Circuit Sparks Deadly Blaze

According to fire officials, the fire broke out around 3:45 PM due to an electrical short circuit in the factory premises. The flames spread rapidly, trapping the factory owner Haji Usman Hasanbhai Mansuri, three of his family members including his toddler grandson, and four workers inside the facility. All of them were charred beyond recognition, officials confirmed.

“The fire was so intense that it took more than five hours for the fire brigade to control it. By the time we reached, thick smoke had already filled the premises,” said a senior fire official.

Women and Child Among the Victims

The deceased included three women, highlighting the extent of the tragedy that struck the family-run business. Rescue operations were hampered by the intense heat and thick plumes of smoke, which made it nearly impossible for firefighters to reach the victims in time.

Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene, and firefighting operations continued late into the evening. The Solapur Police and forensic teams have initiated an investigation to determine whether safety norms were violated and to understand the exact cause of the fire.

Preliminary reports suggest that the factory may not have had adequate fire exits or emergency response systems, which could have worsened the impact of the incident.

A Grim Day for India: Fire Near Charminar Claims 17 Lives

Earlier on Sunday, another devastating fire broke out in a building near Gulzar House, close to Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar. The narrow two-meter-wide entry gate hampered escape and rescue operations. Tragically, 17 people, including 8 children, died after inhaling toxic smoke.

Nation Mourns the Loss – Leaders React

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the twin tragedies. He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for those injured.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the fire tragedies in Solapur and Hyderabad. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Prayers for the injured,” the PM said in a statement.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed shock and directed authorities to ensure all necessary rescue and safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.

Fire Safety Still a Major Concern

These back-to-back fire tragedies have once again brought India’s industrial and building safety norms into question. Experts stress the urgent need for regular fire audits, proper escape routes, and emergency preparedness in both commercial and residential buildings.

Safety First: A Wake-Up Call for Industries

This tragic incident is a painful reminder of the importance of industrial fire safety. It urges local authorities and business owners to strictly adhere to safety protocols to avoid such irreversible loss of life in the future.

Stay connected for more updates on this developing story.

— Reported by [The Chandigarh News]