Secunderabad: As many as eight died and several injured after a massive fire, which broke out at an electric scooter showroom, spread to a hotel on the upper floors of the multi-storeyed building in Telangana’s Secunderabad late last night.
According to preliminary investigation, a short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire in the electric bike showroom, resulting in explosion of one vehicle after the other. The hotel staff and guests who noticed the fire and smoke and alerted the fire department.
The fire is said to have broken out at a E-Motor cycle showroom following which it went upwards to Hotel Ruby Pride, where at least 25 guests were staying.
“When police reached here, the showroom and the lodge were engulfed in thick smoke. First responders and fire fighters were able to rescue a few persons using ladders. Some rescuers went up the stairs and brought down at least six persons who were unconcious. They had collapsed near the staircase due to some inhalation. The causes of the fire are yet to be ascertained. All the electric bikes in the showrroom were gutted,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP North Zone) Deepti Chandana said.
The Telangana Government announced Rs 3 lakhs ex-gratia to the kin of the victims. The police added that a case has been registered at Gopalapuram Police Station against the owner of the building and the showroom owner under IPC Sections 304 (causing death by negligence); and 324.
“We have registered an FIR against Rajender Singh Bagga and his two sons. The investigation is on,” said the SHO.
The injured are being treated at the Gandhi Hospital and two of them succumbed to burns. The condition of at least four others is said to be serious.