Banjara Hills Fire: Six-Hour Operation Rescues 11, Cause Under Probe

In a major firefighting operation on Saturday morning, a fire that broke out in the cellar of a commercial building in Hyderabad's Banjara Hills was brought under control after nearly six hours. Eleven people were safely evacuated from the premises, and no injuries have been reported, according to officials.

The fire call was received at 6:36 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the fire department. Six fire tenders, including vehicles from Amberpet, Jubilee Hills, Annapurna, Secunderabad and Gowliguda, along with a Bronto Skylift, were rushed to the spot. Approximately 30 firefighters participated in the operation, which involved both firefighting and search-and-rescue efforts.

District Fire Officer T. Venkanna said the building comprised a cellar, ground floor and six upper floors. The cellar was filled with dense smoke when fire crews arrived, making it difficult to locate the source of the flames. Firefighters used smoke exhausters and protective masks to navigate the smoke-filled area and tackle the fire at its base.

The fire caused significant damage to items in the cellar. Two electric bikes parked there were completely gutted, while a van belonging to a media house was partially damaged. A carton containing liquor bottles stored in the cellar was also destroyed. The extent of the structural damage to the building is yet to be assessed.

The commercial building houses multiple establishments. The ground floor and two other floors are occupied by a vernacular news channel, while the upper floors house a hotel. As a precautionary measure, firefighters evacuated 11 people from the building, including employees and possibly guests, ensuring no one was left inside.

The firefighting operation lasted nearly six hours, with crews working to extinguish the flames and cool down the affected areas to prevent re-ignition. The Bronto Skylift, an aerial platform vehicle, was deployed to access hard-to-reach parts of the building, though its specific use in this operation has not been detailed by officials.

Following the operation, fire officials began assessing the cause of the fire. According to the District Fire Officer, the cause is yet to be ascertained. An investigation is underway to determine whether the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical fault, or resulted from any other factor. Officials are likely to examine the condition of the electrical wiring and any combustible materials stored in the cellar.

Incidents of fire in commercial buildings in urban areas have raised concerns about fire safety compliance. In Banjara Hills, a bustling commercial and residential locality, such incidents highlight the importance of regular fire drills, maintenance of firefighting equipment, and adherence to safety norms by business establishments.

The Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services have urged building occupants to install smoke detectors and ensure clear emergency exits. While the quick response from the fire department prevented any loss of life, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of fire and the need for vigilance.

Further details about the condition of the building and the estimated loss are expected to emerge as officials complete their investigation.