17 killed, several injured after fire breaks out in building near Hyderabad's Charminar

At least 17 people, including a seven-year-old girl and several women, have died after a massive fire broke out in a building near Hyderabad's iconic Charminar this morning. While the cause of the fire is not confirmed yet, it is suspected that a short circuit may have led to the tragedy.

A fire department official said they received a call around 6.30 am and rushed to the spot. Eleven fire engines fought the blaze and those injured were shifted to hospitals.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said the family affected in the fire lived on top of their shop in the Gulzar House area. "I met the family members. Such incidents are very sad. I am not accusing anyone, but police, municipality, fire and electricity departments must be made stronger. I was told the firefighters today did not have proper equipment initially. We must bring better technology in the coming days. I will talk to the central government and the Prime Minister and try to get financial help for the families of those who died in this incident," he said.