Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 18 (ANI): AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of 17 lives in a blaze at Gulzar Houz area near Charminar in the old Hyderabad city here on Sunday.

Owaisi along with Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the spot where the fire broke out in a building in the Gulzar Houz area near Charminar.

'A painful incident happened today in Gulzar Houz. The family had been living in this area for 125 years. All 17 of the deceased were immediate family members. It is a matter of great sorrow... I offer my condolences.' Owaisi said, speaking to the media.

Owaisi also interacted with the Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General (DG) Y Naggi Reddy, who said that according to preliminary investigation the fire was caused due to a short circuit.

'The preliminary investigation shows that the cause was a short circuit. The cause of death of all the 17 people was smoke inhalation, nobody had burn injuries,' Reddy said.

The list of the 17 deceased released by the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence includes the names of eight children under the age of 10. The youngest in the list was identified as one Prathan (1.5 years old). The seven other children have been identified as Hamey (7), Priyansh (4), Iraaj (2), Arushi (3), Rishabh (4), Anuyan (3) and Iddu (4).

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives in the fire and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed grief over the tragedy.

In a post on X, Kharge urged Congress workers to rally around the affected families and offer assistance to them.

'I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire tragedy in the Charminar area of Hyderabad, which has claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time,' Kharge said on X.

'After speaking with the Chief Minister of Telangana, I am assured that the government is taking all necessary relief measures, including providing speedy and adequate compensation to those affected,' he added.

'I urge Congress workers to rally around the affected families and offer any assistance they can. Let us come together to support those in need and help them through this challenging period,' the Congress President appealed. (ANI)