Death toll in building fire in India rises to 17

At least 17 people died after a fire ripped through a building in the Indian city of Hyderabad, local officials said on Sunday, Report informs via Dawn.

The large blaze broke out in the early hours of the day in 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 had received the call for help just after 6 am local time (GMT+5:30).

“The fire broke out on the ground floor and spread to the upper floors. Firefighting, search & rescue operations were carried out simultaneously,” it said.

The statement also listed the names of 17 individuals who lost their lives.

“The suspected cause of the fire is under investigation,” it said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his “deep grief” over the loss of life and announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (around $2,300) to the next of kin of each victim.

“Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Hyderabad, Telangana,” Modi said in a statement released by his office.

“Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”