In a deeply heartbreaking incident, a massive fire broke out in a multi-storey building near Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar, claiming the lives of 17 people from the same family. Among the deceased were eight children. The family, known in the area for their jewellery business, lived above their shop in the same complex.
The fire reportedly started late at night due to an electrical short circuit or a suspected chemical reaction involving stock stored in the building. It spread rapidly through the structure, leaving very little time for escape. As smoke filled the upper floors, most family members were trapped inside and succumbed to asphyxiation.
Emergency response teams rushed to the spot, but the intensity of the flames and thick smoke made rescue operations difficult. By the time firefighters managed to control the blaze, it was too late for those inside.
Locals and authorities were left shaken, mourning the loss of an entire family that was well known in the community. Officials confirmed that the victims likely died due to inhalation of toxic smoke rather than burn injuries.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his condolences and has ordered a detailed probe into the incident. The state government has assured support for the families affected and called for stricter safety checks in commercial-cum-residential buildings.
