At least 17 people have died after a massive fire tore through a three-storey building in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad on Sunday morning, local officials confirmed.
The blaze broke out around 6:00 a.m. local time (00:30 GMT) in a commercial building housing a jewellery store on the ground floor, located in Telangana state. The fire quickly spread to the upper levels, trapping several people inside.
In a statement issued by the Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department, authorities said emergency teams were dispatched immediately following the distress call.
“The fire broke out on the ground floor and spread to the upper floors. Firefighting, search and rescue operations were carried out simultaneously,” the statement said.
The department released a list of the 17 victims who lost their lives in the incident. Their identities have not yet been made public pending notification of next of kin. Several others were injured, though the total number is yet to be confirmed.
Officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but early indications point to a possible electrical fault or a gas leak.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to the affected families.
“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,” Modi said in a statement.
He also announced an ex-gratia compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,300) to the next of kin of each victim.
India continues to struggle with fire safety lapses, especially in densely populated urban areas where building code violations are widespread.
Just last month, a fire at a hotel in Kolkata claimed 15 lives, with victims forced to escape through windows and rooftops.
In 2024, 24 people died in a similar blaze at an amusement park arcade in Gujarat.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the Hyderabad fire and pledged to review safety standards in commercial buildings across the city.
Rescue and recovery efforts in Hyderabad have now concluded, and the building has been sealed off as officials begin a formal probe into the incident.
