- Nampally fire at furniture showroom claims five lives
- DG Vikram Singh Mann on cellar misuse and rescue delay
Hyderabad: Five people lost their lives in a major fire at a furniture showroom in Nampally, Fire Department Director General Vikram Singh Mann said on Saturday. He stated that the bodies were shifted to the Osmania Hospital morgue. He explained that furniture material, resin, and chemicals stored in the cellar increased the intensity of the Nampally fire and delayed rescue operations.
Speaking on the incident, the DG said fire personnel reached the spot within two minutes of receiving the call. However, the situation inside the building remained dangerous. He said large quantities of furniture material, resin, and chemicals were stored in the cellar. Therefore, the fire spread rapidly and produced heavy smoke. He added that five people were trapped inside and could not escape in time.
Meanwhile, the DG said materials were also stored on the stairway. This blocked one exit route. He further said the ramp on the other side was also blocked. As a result, those inside could not find a safe way out. He said a sheet shed was under construction in the cellar and expressed doubts about how it was built. He also noted that the fire spread faster due to these conditions.
Later, DG Vikram Singh Mann clarified that cellars should only be used for parking. He advised people not to use cellars as warehouses or for any other purpose. He warned that authorities would take strict action against building owners and shop owners who violate these rules. He also said around 200 personnel took part in the rescue operation and worked throughout Saturday night.
He said rescue teams found the first body at 9:15 am on Sunday. He added that it took the entire night to control the fire and smoke. He said the basement was completely misused and indicated that a short circuit or a cigarette could have caused the fire. He also said staff could not enter the building due to high chemical levels.
The DG said rescue teams tried using the stairs but found an iron shutter locked. Because of this, they could not exit through that route. He stated that the building structure remained in good condition. However, he said the owners did not take permission from the fire department during construction. He also expressed concern that buildings often pass inspections but later misuse cellars illegally. He said most GHMC violations follow this pattern.
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