Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Sunday announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia to the families of each of the 17 victims who died in the Gulzar Houz Fire near Charminar. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, who was directed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to leave his Madhira visit midway, reached Osmania Hospital to assess the situation.
Bhatti Vikramarka reviewed the condition of the injured and met with the grieving families at the mortuary. He was accompanied by Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Damodar Raja Narasimha. Speaking outside the hospital, he conveyed condolences and said the state would extend all possible support to the bereaved.
The fire broke out early Sunday near Gulzar Houz, in the heart of the Old City. Seventeen people were confirmed dead, some on the spot, others during treatment. Preliminary reports suggest a short circuit triggered the blaze. The first alert reached fire control at 6:16 AM. A fire engine from Moghalpura was dispatched at 6:17 AM and reached by 6:20 AM.
Bhatti said the operation involved 11 fire engines, one fire-fighting robot, 17 officers and 70 personnel. Seventeen individuals were rescued and taken to various hospitals including Osmania, Apollo DRDL, Care Nampally, Apollo Hyderguda, and Yashoda Malakpet.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy responded immediately after learning of the fire, coordinating with GHMC, Revenue, Police, Health, and Fire Services officials. He was in constant contact, receiving updates and issuing instructions for rescue and relief.
Bhatti said the cabinet had previously discussed fire safety in urban zones multiple times. He assured that the government would continue reviewing such incidents seriously and enforce all necessary measures to prevent future tragedies.