Fire safety violations linked to tragic Nampally blaze

The fire department will prosecute Bacha Furniture’s owner for safety violations after a Nampally blaze killed five people. DG Vikram Singh Mann said rescue was hampered by blocked exits and combustible materials, though fire tenders reached the site within two minutes.

Hyderabad: The fire department will also register a case and launch prosecution against the building owner of Batcha furniture for failing to comply with fire safety guidelines.

On Sunday, Director General (Fire Services) Vikram Singh Mann visited the building and inspected the premises. Interacting with the media, he said that after the first SOS call was received, fire tenders from the nearby fire station reached the spot within two minutes.

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“In a short period, we gathered all men and equipment and started the firefighting and rescue operations. Despite our best coordinated efforts, it took time to control the fire as there was a lot of combustible material stored and no space to work in the building,” he said.

Vikram Singh Mann said the builder-owner had constructed rooms in the cellar where watchman Yadaiah’s family, including his wife and two children, and the sweeper Bebi Begum stayed.

“The two children and the sweeper could not come out as the exit points were blocked. At one exit route, a shutter was fixed and it was locked,” said the official.