Hyderabad: Death toll rises to nine after massive fire breaks out in apartment building

Chemicals were stored in the stilt area of the building and the fire was caused due to these chemicals (Screengrab from ANI)

At least nine people have died so far after a massive fire broke out at a multi-storeyed apartment complex in Nampally area in Hyderabad on November 13, local police informed.

DG (Fire Services) Nagi Reddy says, "The storage of chemicals in the building might have been done illegally...."

"Chemicals were stored in the stilt area of the building and the fire was caused due to these chemicals. A total of 21 persons were rescued of which 6 people died, injured under treatment. All persons have been rescued from the apartment building," the officer had said earlier.

As per reports, the blaze erupted in the ground floor of the building where some drums containing chemicals were stored.

The dead are suspected to have died of asphyxiation, the official said based on preliminary information.

Fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. Rescue efforts are underway, police said.

Soon after the incident, Telangana CM KC Rao offered condolences and has ordered the concerned officials to take all relief measures immediately. He has also announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased in the fire incident.

Meanwhile, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy visited the apartment complex godown fire site. He alleged the Telangana government on not taking action. He told reporters, "Telangana government is not taking action in such cases. I have repeatedly asked the state government to shift such warehouses out of the city. I will speak to the PM to get financial assistance for the families of the deceased in this incident."

(With PTI inputs)