A devastating fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at a furniture showroom, godown building in Nampally, a busy area in Hyderabad, Telangana. The blaze began in the cellar and ground floor, where furniture materials, foam, plastics and other flammable items were stored, and quickly spread through the four storey building.
Firefighters, Police, Disaster response teams, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), GHMC and Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) were involved in the operation, using hydraulic platforms, cranes, fire tenders, and robotic tools to battle the blaze and reach trapped people.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
By Sunday morning, firefighters had recovered the bodies of five people from the building after more than 20 hours of operations:
- Two children: Akhil (7) and Praneeth (11)
- Two adult men: Mohammed Imtiaz (26) and Syed Habib (40)
- A woman: Bebi (44)
The bodies were shifted to Osmania General Hospital for post mortem examination. Earlier reports had initially said three bodies were recovered and that five people were feared trapped, as smoke and intense heat made rescue difficult.
Firefighting and Challenges
- The fire reportedly began around 1 PM and was brought largely under control after several hours, but thick smoke continued to hamper efforts to access the cellar where people were trapped.
- Fire officials had to carve access points and dig into blocked areas to reach victims. Dense materials stored and blocked ramps impeded speedy entry.
- Traffic disruptions occurred around Nampally Station Road and near the Numaish exhibition grounds, leading authorities to advise postponing visits to the area.
Safety and Legal Actions
Authorities have registered a case against the building and shop owners for safety violations, including use of the cellar for storage and accommodation despite it being meant for parking and lacking fire safety compliance.
Separately, a complaint has been filed with the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC) urging a probe into alleged negligence by civic and fire authorities and broader fire safety lapses in Hyderabad buildings.
