Deadly fire near Charminar in Hyderabad kills 17, injures several; caused by short circuit, rescue hindered by narrow exit.

At least 17 people lost their lives, and several others were injured in a fire that broke out on Sunday at a building located near the historic Charminar monument in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.

Local media reported that numerous individuals were found unconscious at the scene and were quickly transported to various hospitals for emergency treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that the fire is now under control.

The building affected by the fire contained a jewelry store on the ground floor, with residential apartments situated above it.

Federal minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader G Kishan Reddy, speaking to reporters at the site of the incident, stated that the accident was caused by a short circuit and resulted in the deaths of many people.

Y Nagi Reddy, the director general of Telangana fire services, informed reporters that there were 21 people inside the three-story building when the fire started on the ground floor.

He further explained, “Seventeen people who were taken to the hospital unconscious were unable to survive. The staircase inside the building was very narrow, which made escaping extremely difficult. There was only one exit, but the fire had blocked that way out.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial compensation for the families of the victims. In a post on X, he said he was “deeply anguished by the loss of lives.”

Fires of this nature are unfortunately common in India, where builders and residents frequently ignore building regulations and safety standards.