Hyderabad firefighters battle Diwali blazes

By Asif Yar Khan

Hyderabad: Firefighters had a hectic time battling a series of fire incidents across Hyderabad on the Diwali festival day on Sunday and in the early hours of Monday, with property worth crores of rupees damaged in the mishaps.

A total of 112 fire incidents were reported from across Telangana, with several of them suspected to have been triggered by firecrackers landing on establishments.

One of the major incidents occurred at a plastic manufacturing unit in Katedan industrial area on Sunday evening. The fire spread rapidly through the factory, sending thick clouds of smoke into the surrounding area and triggering panic among workers and occupants of neighbouring industrial units. Fire personnel brought the blaze under control after five hours of firefighting.

In another incident, a fire broke out at Balaji Medical Shop in Bandimet, Secunderabad, prompting firefighters to rush to the locality. A separate fire was reported at a medical warehouse in Old Bowenpally, near the airport, where flames spread to the third floor of the building.

Several other fire incidents were reported from Jambagh, near Abids, and Siddiamber Bazaar, keeping fire personnel on their toes.

At Sithaphalmandi in Secunderabad, a rocket reportedly entered a firecracker shop, triggering a massive explosion as crackers stocked inside began bursting. The fire intensified within minutes, with flames shooting into the air. Firefighters reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Adding to the series of mishaps, a sofa manufacturing unit caught fire at Uddamgadda in Mailardevpally during the night. The blaze triggered panic in the predominantly residential locality.

The incidents continued into Monday morning, with a major fire breaking out at an industrial unit in Asbestos Colony, Kukatpally. The blaze erupted at a factory manufacturing paper tea cups and plates before spreading to neighbouring warehouses storing ghee and packaged food products, including Kurkure and Haldiram products.

Several smaller fires were also reported from different parts of the city.