Fire – Blaze at Hyderabad Commercial Complex, 50 Students Rescued Safely
Fire – Nearly 50 students were safely evacuated after a fire broke out at a busy commercial complex in Ameerpet, Hyderabad, on Friday. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident, which caused temporary panic in one of the city’s most active educational hubs.
Fire Erupts in Maitrivanam Complex
The blaze was reported at Maitrivanam, a well-known commercial centre in Ameerpet that houses several coaching institutes and offices. According to officials, the fire originated on the ground floor of the Nilgiri Block, a G+5 structure within the complex.
Thick smoke quickly spread to the upper floors, including the second floor where an IT coaching institute was operating classes at the time. The smoke engulfed corridors and staircases, trapping students inside and triggering alarm among shopkeepers and pedestrians in the crowded area.
Swift Response by Fire Services
Fire engines were dispatched to the site soon after the alert was received. Firefighting teams entered the building and began evacuation efforts alongside attempts to contain the flames.
Rescue personnel used ladders to reach students stranded on the second floor. While some individuals managed to climb down through balconies before emergency teams arrived, around 50 students were brought to safety with coordinated assistance from firefighters.
Local residents and occupants of other blocks in the complex initiated preliminary rescue efforts even before the arrival of emergency services, helping guide students out of smoke-filled areas.
Electrical Short Circuit Suspected
Preliminary findings by the police indicate that the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit in a panel board located on the ground floor. The resulting smoke spread rapidly to the first and second levels, creating a hazardous situation for those attending classes.
Officials stated that the flames were contained before they could extend to other sections of the building. A police officer confirmed that a case has been registered and further investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events.
Authorities Seal Shops, Evacuate Building
As a precautionary measure, authorities ordered the closure of shops within the affected complex shortly after the fire was reported. Students attending other coaching centres inside the building were sent home to prevent further risk.
Emergency teams ensured that all sections of the structure were cleared before allowing limited access. The situation was brought under control without major structural damage, officials said.
HYDRAA Commissioner Reviews Situation
Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency Commissioner A.V. Ranganath visited the site to assess the situation. Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that an electrical short circuit appeared to have triggered the blaze.
He noted that accumulated garbage in certain balconies created obstacles during rescue operations, slowing access to some areas. However, he emphasized that the timely response prevented what could have escalated into a larger disaster.
According to Ranganath, if the fire had spread beyond the initial zone, the consequences might have been far more severe given the number of educational institutions operating in the building.
Ongoing Fire Safety Drive
The Commissioner also highlighted that HYDRAA, along with the Fire Services Department, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, and the Electricity Department, recently initiated a drive to inspect buildings for fire safety compliance.
He said building owners have been given a one-month deadline to implement necessary fire safety measures. Regular inspections are scheduled to begin next month to ensure adherence to safety norms.
The incident has once again drawn attention to fire preparedness in commercial complexes, particularly those housing educational institutions. Authorities reiterated the importance of maintaining clear evacuation pathways and adhering strictly to electrical safety standards.