South Africa tour of India 2019
Five Trapped as NDRF, Fire Teams Continue Rescue Operations in Hyderabad
Rescue operations continued in full swing in Hyderabad on Sunday as fire services, police, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams worked tirelessly to reach five people trapped inside the cellar of a building that was gutted by a massive fire a day earlier. The fate of the trapped individuals remains uncertain as efforts to access the damaged structure face multiple challenges.
The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon and quickly spread through the building, trapping five persons in the second cellar. Firefighters battled for several hours before bringing the blaze under control by evening. Around 17 fire tenders and numerous water tankers were deployed during the operation.
Rescue personnel faced severe difficulties while entering the building due to intense heat, smoke, and structural damage. To gain access, firefighters were forced to break the glass façade, drill through walls, and use alternative entry points. Senior officials from the police, revenue, and fire departments supervised the rescue operations late into the night.
Authorities have now called in experts from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) to assess the structural stability of the building. Based on the extent of damage caused by the fire, officials indicated that the building may have to be demolished to ensure safety.
The incident has raised serious concerns over building safety and emergency preparedness, particularly in commercial structures with basement facilities. Officials said a detailed investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety compliance once rescue operations are completed.
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