Hyderabad, May 18 (UNI) A major fire broke out on Sunday morning at Gulzar House near Charminar in Mir Chowk, Old City, Hyderabad, claiming the lives of eight people and injuring several others.

The incident occurred around 0630am on the first floor of a commercial-cum-residential building.

Among the deceased were four women and two children. Seven people sustained injuries, with the condition of two reported as critical. The injured were rushed to Osmania General Hospital, DRDO Hospital, and Hyderguda Hospital for treatment.

The deceased were identified as Rajendrakumar (67), Abhisekh Modee (30), Sumitra (65), Munnibai (72), Aarushi Jain (17), Seethal Jain (37), Eraj (2) and Harsly Gupata (7).

According to officials, the fire is believed to have originated from a short circuit and quickly spread to the cellar and first floor of the building. Prompt action by the fire brigade, which deployed eight fire engines, brought the blaze under control.

Sixteen people who were trapped inside the building during the fire were successfully rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Police confirmed that three children were among those injured in the incident.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the tragedy and directed senior officials to ensure all necessary assistance to the victims and their families. Emergency response efforts are ongoing, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire.

UNI VV ARN