A fire in Paparayudunagar, within Bestas Colony in Kukatpally, gutted five autorickshaws and a DCM van and spread across a Haldiram’s warehouse and an adjoining unit making paper tea cups and plates, causing preliminary property losses estimated at around Rs 1 crore.
The blaze broke out on Sunday and quickly moved between the two facilities, causing panic among residents in the surrounding area. The fire also damaged the vehicles parked near the premises, while an assessment of the total losses remains under way.
Four fire engines from Kukatpally, Jeedimetla and Secunderabad were deployed to control the flames. Assistant district fire officer Srinivas Rao, who inspected the site, said the prompt response by Kukatpally fire personnel helped contain the damage.
The exact cause of the fire has not been established. Police suspect that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze, but the cause will be determined through the ongoing investigation. Kukatpally station house officer D. Swami Goud said police had registered a case and were investigating the incident.
The fire affected two adjoining commercial units in an area close to residential buildings, bringing attention to the risks of operating warehouses and manufacturing facilities near homes. Serilingampally MLA A. Gandhi urged officials to relocate warehouses of this nature away from residential areas following the incident.
Alwyn Colony deputy commissioner Chamundeswari also inspected the site. Officials are continuing to assess the damage, while police and fire authorities examine the circumstances that allowed the blaze to spread between the facilities. The final cause of the fire and the confirmed value of losses are yet to be established.
