Preliminary Report Submitted on Gulzar House Fire Near Charminar
Hyderabad, May 21, 2025 — A preliminary report has been submitted to the Telangana government regarding the devastating fire that occurred on May 18 at Gulzar House near Charminar, resulting in the loss of 17 lives, including eight children. The report, compiled by a multi-disciplinary committee, provides initial findings on the cause of the fire and outlines immediate recommendations.
Cause of the Fire
The preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was likely triggered by a short circuit in the building’s electrical system, leading to an explosion in an air conditioner compressor. The building housed multiple AC units, and improper maintenance or overloading may have contributed to the incident. The fire rapidly spread through the structure, which lacked adequate fire safety measures, including multiple exits and fire suppression systems.
Committee Formation and Mandate
In response to the tragedy, the state government established a six-member high-level committee comprising senior IAS and IPS officers. The committee includes GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, Hyderabad Collector Anudeep Durishetty, Police Commissioner CV Anand, Fire Services DG Y Nagi Reddy, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and TGSPDCL CMD Md Musharraf Faruqui. Their mandate is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, assess departmental responses, and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Structural and Safety Concerns
The building involved in the fire was over 125 years old and lacked basic fire safety infrastructure. It had only one narrow staircase, which became a deadly bottleneck during the evacuation. Many victims were trapped due to the absence of alternative escape routes and the rapid spread of smoke. Forensic experts have noted severe structural damage, including cracked walls and compromised flooring, rendering the building unsafe for future use.
Government Response and Next Steps
Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has confirmed that the committee will submit a detailed report to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. The government has pledged to take strict action based on the findings and to implement ground-level safety awareness programs. Additionally, new guidelines are expected to be proposed to enhance fire safety in urban areas, particularly in densely populated regions like the Old City.
Community Impact
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with many victims belonging to the same extended family. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and improved emergency response mechanisms in Hyderabad’s historic neighborhoods.
The final report from the committee is anticipated in the coming weeks, which will provide a comprehensive analysis and further recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.
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