HYDERABAD: At least 17 people were killed in a massive blaze that engulfed a building in Gulzar Houz, near Charminar, housing both residential and commercial units. This incident marks one of the city’s biggest tragedies in recent years. Ten injured residents were shifted to DRDO Hospital, Osmania General Hospital, and a private healthcare facility. The fire broke out around 5.30 am while most residents were asleep, according to preliminary fire department reports.It originated on the commercial ground floor, with smoke rapidly spreading throughout the building, causing fatal suffocation to the occupants.The Prime Minister’s office later confirmed that compensation would be provided to the victims. In a post on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured.Union minister and state BJP chief G Kishan Reddy said the fire broke out in a pearl shop owned by a family, with their residence located on the floor above the shop. He confirmed the accident was caused by a short circuit. “Many people have died in the accident. Some have been injured. I am not blaming anyone, but since Hyderabad is a rapidly developing city, the police, municipal, fire, and electricity departments should be strengthened,” he said.Just four days earlier, a similar fire occurred in Begum Bazar, located about 2 km from this site, where fortunately eight residents escaped unharmed. The fire department deployed 11 fire tenders from multiple stations including Langar Houz, Moghalpura, Gowliguda, Rajendra Nagar, Gandhi Outpost, and Salarjung Museum to control the blaze. Rescue efforts were supported by two rescue tenders, a Bronto Skylift, three water tenders and a robot. Emergency services remain on site as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.