At least 17 people died in a fire that broke out early Sunday morning at a commercial building in Hyderabad, Telangana state officials confirmed.
The fire started around 6 a.m. local time (00:30 GMT) on the ground floor of a three-story building housing a jewelry store. It quickly spread to the upper floors. Firefighters and civil defense teams arrived promptly and carried out firefighting and rescue efforts simultaneously.
Authorities confirmed the death toll and released the names of the victims in an official statement. The cause of the fire has not been determined yet, but an investigation is ongoing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to the victims’ families. The Prime Minister’s Office said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of life in the fire in Hyderabad, Telangana. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The Prime Minister also announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,300) for the families of each person who died.
Unfortunately, fires of this scale are not uncommon in India. Poor enforcement of safety rules, overcrowded buildings, and low-quality construction often contribute to such disasters. Just last month, a hotel fire in Kolkata claimed at least 15 lives. In 2024, a fire at an amusement park in Gujarat killed 24 people.
As Hyderabad mourns the loss, emergency workers continue their operations at the site. Meanwhile, concerns have risen about safety standards in commercial buildings throughout the city.
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