At least six people, including two children and an elderly woman, lost their lives in a major fire that broke out in a furniture shop building in Hyderabad’s Nampally area, officials said on Sunday.
The fire started on Saturday in a four-storey commercial building that housed a furniture shop and storage space. Thick smoke quickly spread through the building, making it difficult for people inside to escape.
As soon as the fire was reported, fire and rescue teams rushed to the spot. Several fire engines were sent to control the blaze. Rescue operations were launched immediately to save people who were trapped, especially in the basement areas of the building.
Police said five bodies were recovered first and shifted to the Osmania General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. Later, another body was found in the cellar during the search operation, taking the death toll to six.
Officials said the victims included two children and an elderly woman. Some others who suffered injuries or smoke inhalation were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. The exact cause of the fire is still not known, and an investigation has been started.
Authorities are checking whether proper fire safety measures were in place in the building.