A significant fire erupted on Thursday morning at an under-construction residential complex in Hyderabad, gutting temporary accommodations meant for construction workers. The incident occurred at the Candeur Crescent condominium site located near the Lingampally railway station.
Timeline of the Emergency Response
The Gachibowli fire station received an alert about the blaze at 11:53 am. Swiftly mobilizing resources, firefighting teams dispatched three fire tenders from the Gachibowli, Madhapur, and Patancheru stations to the scene. The firefighters engaged in intense operations for approximately two hours before successfully dousing the flames.
As a precautionary measure, the fire personnel remained stationed at the location until 4:00 pm. During this time, earthmoving machinery was deployed to clear the debris and ensure no hidden embers could reignite the fire.
Extent of Damage and Suspected Cause
The fire completely destroyed 15 tin-roof rooms that served as living quarters for the labourers working on the Candeur Crescent apartment project. Officials confirmed that the remaining rooms in the cluster were not damaged. A potentially dangerous turn of events occurred when a gas cylinder exploded due to the intense heat of the fire, amplifying the risk for responders.
Fortunately, all workers were present at the construction site and not inside the quarters when the fire broke out, which prevented any loss of life or injuries. Preliminary investigation points towards an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the fire, though a formal inquiry is standard procedure.
Official Statement and Aftermath
A fire officer from the Gachibowli station provided details on the incident. "There were tin-roof rooms built for construction workers at the Candeur Crescent apartment complex. In the mishap, 15 of those were gutted and rest of the rooms were not damaged," the officer stated. He confirmed the absence of casualties and reiterated the suspicion of an electrical fault, also noting the gas cylinder explosion.
The incident highlights the ongoing fire safety concerns associated with temporary housing structures at large construction sites across Indian cities. It also underscores the effectiveness of the rapid response by Hyderabad's fire services in preventing a human tragedy.
