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At least 17 killed after fire at three-storey building in India.
MUMBAI – At least 17 people died after a fire ripped through a building in the Indian city of Hyderabad on May 18, local officials said.
The large blaze broke out early in the morning at a three-storey building which houses a jewellery store.
A statement from the fire disaster response emergency and civil defence department in southern Telangana state, where Hyderabad is located, said they received a call for help just after 6am local time (8.30am Singapore time).
“The fire broke out on the ground floor and spread to the upper floors. Firefighting, search-and-rescue operations were carried out simultaneously,” it said.
The statement also listed the names of 17 individuals who lost their lives in the blaze.
“The suspected cause of the fire is under investigation,” the statement added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “deep grief” over the loss of life and announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (S$3,000) to the next of kin of each victim.
“Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana,” Mr Modi said in a statement released by his office.
“Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
Fires are common in India due to poor building practices, overcrowding and a lack of adherence to safety regulations.
In April, a fire broke out in a hotel in Kolkata, killing at least 15 people. Some people clambered out of windows and onto the rooftop to escape.
And in 2024, least 24 people died after a fire broke out at a packed amusement park arcade in the western state of Gujarat. AFP