At Least 17 Killed in India Building Fire

 People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
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At Least 17 Killed in India Building Fire

 People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
People watch as fire officials conduct rescue operations at a building following a fire in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)

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

The large blaze broke out early Sunday morning in a three-storey building which houses a jewellery store.  

A statement from the fire disaster response emergency and civil defense department in southern Telangana state, where Hyderabad is located, said they had received the call for help just after 6 am local time (00:30 GMT).  

"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."  

Fires are common in India due to poor building practices, overcrowding and a lack of adherence to safety regulations.  

Last month, a fierce 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 last year, least 24 people died after a fire broke out at a packed amusement park arcade in the western state of Gujarat.



B-2 Bombers Moving to Guam amid Middle East Tensions, US Officials Say

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)
A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)
TT

B-2 Bombers Moving to Guam amid Middle East Tensions, US Officials Say

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)
A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)

The United States is moving B-2 bombers to the Pacific island of Guam, two US officials told Reuters on Saturday, as President Donald Trump weighs whether the United States should take part in Israel's strikes against Iran.

It was unclear whether the bomber deployment is tied to Middle East tensions.

The B-2 can be equipped to carry America's 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, designed to destroy targets deep underground. That is the weapon that experts say could be used to strike Iran's nuclear program, including Fordow.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to disclose any further details. One official said no forward orders had been given yet to move the bombers beyond Guam. They did not say how many B-2 bombers are being moved.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.