Over nine people died after a fire tore through an apartment complex at Nampally in Hyderabad on Monday. The deceased were in the age group of six and 66.
The incident happened around 9:30 and the deaths were due to asphyxiation, officials said based on preliminary information.
According to DG (Fire Services) Nagi Reddy, the fire began at the stilt area of the building where chemical-laden drums were stored illegally. "Chemicals were stored in the stilt area of the building. All persons have been rescued from the apartment building," Reddy told reporters.
Local media reports said the fire was ignited after a mechanic carried out repair work on a car inside the parking area, causing a spark. The fuel stored nearby caught fire and the blaze then spread to the chemical drums, resulting in thick smoke and flames engulfing the first and second floor of the building.
Fire tenders rushed to the spot and the fire was brought under control. Ten people were found unconscious after inhaling smoke and they were shifted to a hospital. Footages doing rounds on social media showed the daring rescue of a child and woman through the window of the apartment complex.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao offered condolences on the deaths in the Nampally fire incident and ordered the officials concerned to take all relief measures immediately.
The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased. He asked the officials to provide the best treatment possible to those who were injured in the incident. Telangana Minister K T Rama Rao also visited the place.
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed grief over the deaths. Tamilisai Soundararajan directed the Chief Secretary to take immediate measures to provide comprehensive medical assistance to those who sustained injuries in the incident and also issued directives to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, a Press Communique from Raj Bhavan said.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who visited the building, accused the Telangana government of not taking action in such cases. "I have repeatedly asked the state government to shift such warehouses out of the city. I will speak to the PM to get financial assistance for the families of the deceased in this incident," Reddy told reporters.