Hyderabad, Jan, 25: A horrific fire accident at a multi-storey furniture showroom in Nampally has claimed at least three lives, including that of a woman, while rescue operations continue for two children still feared trapped. The blaze, which broke out on Saturday afternoon at Bacha Crystal Furniture, turned into a grueling 20-hour battle for emergency services.

The Incident and Rescue Operations

The fire is believed to have originated around 1:00 PM on Saturday in the cellar of the G+4 building, which was being used to store highly flammable materials such as wood, foam, and chemicals. The flames quickly spread to the upper floors, engulfing the entire structure and trapping workers and residents inside.

On Sunday morning, fire officials confirmed the recovery of five bodies from the debris. They have been shifted to Osmania General Hospital for post-mortem examination. Five people were initially reported missing. Over 25 fire engines, including specialized hydraulic platforms and a firefighting robot, were deployed. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and HYDRAA worked through the night, hindered by thick toxic smoke and intense heat that melted steel structures within the building.

Illegal Storage and Lapses

Preliminary investigations by the Hyderabad District Collector, Harichandana Dasari, revealed that the basements were being used illegally for furniture storage, which significantly fueled the intensity of the fire. While the building reportedly had a fire NOC, the misuse of space and the presence of flammable chemicals in the cellar are being cited as major safety violations.

“The heat was so intense that our personnel could not proceed beyond a few stairs initially. Stored furniture made access almost impossible,” stated a senior fire department official.

Public Impact

The accident caused massive traffic gridlocks on the Nampally Station Road. Given the proximity to the Numaish (All India Industrial Exhibition), authorities issued an emergency advisory on Saturday evening, asking visitors to postpone their visit to the exhibition to allow unhindered movement for emergency vehicles.

Current Status

The fire was brought under control by 90% by Sunday morning, though thick smoke continues to billow from the cellar. A search is underway for the showroom owner, Satish Bacha, who has been reported absconding since the incident.