Hyderabad, May 18 (UNI) Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the devastating fire incident at Gulzar House in Charminar on Sunday morning, which claimed the lives of 17 people, including eight children.

In a Facebook post, he stated, "It is extremely tragic that so many lives were lost in the fire." He offered his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

According to party sources, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy regarding the incident. The Chief Minister briefed him on the details of the tragedy and assured that he is closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operations. He also mentioned that ministers have been dispatched to the site.

The massive blaze at Gulzar House resulted in the death of 17 people, including eight children. The fire reportedly broke out on the first floor of the building in the early hours of Sunday. Several individuals trapped inside were rescued by fire brigade personnel and rushed to Osmania General Hospital, Yashoda Hospital (Malakpet), and DRDO Apollo Hospital.

Police suspect that the fire broke out in the building due to an electrical short circuit.

UNI VV ARN