At least five people were killed after a major fire broke out at a four-storey furniture shop building in the Nampally area of Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon. The blaze erupted at Bacha’s furniture showroom, rapidly engulfing the structure and trapping several people inside, officials said.
Emergency teams including the Telangana Fire Services, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) were deployed to battle the fire and rescue those inside. While the flames were eventually brought under control, thick smoke continued to hinder the search efforts, especially in the basement and cellar areas where victims were believed to be trapped. Hydraulic platforms, cranes, and even robotic devices were used in the operation.
Those feared trapped and later declared dead included two children Praneeth (11) and Akhil (7) along with adult workers and a watchwoman who lived or worked in the building. Family members and residents were reported to be anxiously awaiting news as operations continued into the night.
Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar supervised the rescue efforts and asked the public to avoid the area. The fire led to severe traffic disruption around Nampally Station Road, particularly near the Numaish exhibition grounds, as roads were cordoned off to allow emergency vehicles access. Residents were advised to postpone visits to the ongoing exhibition.
Officials said dense smoke and heat made it difficult for rescue teams to enter deeper into the building, slowing down efforts to locate survivors. Thick smoke forced firefighters to retreat temporarily at times, and the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Preliminary observations indicated that furniture, wood and other combustible materials stored within the structure helped fuel the blaze and may have contributed to its rapid spread. Authorities have reportedly begun examining safety and building compliance issues, as such incidents raise renewed questions about warehouse safety in commercial hubs like Nampally.
Local officials and community members expressed shock and grief over the fatalities. Several senior officials visited the fire site to oversee the ongoing operations and ensure no further casualties. Family members of the victims were present at the scene, hoping for good news as rescue efforts continued.
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