Fire in Banjara Hills commercial building triggers six-hour operation, 11 rescued

A fire erupted in the basement of a commercial building located on Road No. 10 in Banjara Hills on Saturday morning, leading to a prolonged six-hour firefighting and rescue operation that resulted in the safe evacuation of 11 individuals. The emergency was reported at 6:36 a.m., prompting the deployment of six fire vehicles from various locations, including Amberpet, Jubilee Hills, Annapurna, Secunderabad, and Gowliguda, along with a Bronto Skylift.

Approximately 30 firefighters were engaged in the operation. According to District Fire Officer T. Venkanna, the building consisted of a basement, ground floor, and six upper floors. The basement was engulfed in thick smoke, requiring the use of smoke exhausters and protective masks by the firefighters. Two electric bikes parked in the basement were completely destroyed, while a media house van suffered partial damage.

Additionally, a carton filled with liquor bottles in the basement was also affected by the blaze. The ground floor and two other floors were occupied by a regional news channel, whereas the upper floors housed a hotel. Emergency personnel evacuated 11 individuals from the premises as a precautionary measure. The origin of the fire has yet to be determined and is currently being investigated by the fire officials.