HYDERABAD, NOV 13 : Expressing profound sorrow and dismay over the catastrophic fire accident that claimed nine lives including four women, and left several injured here on Monday morning, Telangana governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan directed Chief Secretary A.Santhi Kumari to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and furnish a comprehensive report on the circumstances leading to the fire.

The Major Fire accident occurred at Balaji Residence, Bazar Ghat, Lakdikapul, in the city at around 0930 hours in an existing building with Stilt and four upper floors, according to Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department.

The Fire initially ignited at the Stilt Floor of the building where unauthorised storage of chemicals in plastic drums and other flammable materials including fire rolls. Within no time, the fire spread to all upper floors vertically.

The injured and people who fell ill and unconscious were admitted to Osmania General Hospital for treatment.

The Governor also issued directives to furnish a comprehensive report on the circumstances leading to the fire, the response mechanisms in place, and the corrective measures that can be implemented within the next two days, a press communiqué said here.

She directed the Chief Secretary to take immediate measures to provide comprehensive medical assistance to those who sustained injuries in the incident.

While terming the pain and anguish caused by this fire accident are beyond expression, Dr Tamilisai expressed solidarity with those affected by this devastating tragedy.

She expressed her sincere gratitude to all agencies and responsible citizens for their swift response and ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath of this unfortunate accident.

Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K T Rama Rao (KTR), accompanied by Animal Husbandry Minister Srinivas Yadav, who visited the fire accident spot, announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of the fire victims.

In a separate press release, the Disaster Response and Fire Services Department, said that the deceased was identified as Md Azam (57), his wife Rehman Sultana (50), daughter Faiza Sameen (26) and son Hasebur Rahman (32); Md Jakeer Hussain (66), a retired doctor, his wife Nikat Sulthana (50), a teacher; Tahura Farheen (35), her daughters Taroba (13) and Manha (6).

After receiving the fire call at 0934 hours, immediately, fire vehicle from Fire Station Assembly was turned out to fire ground, the release said

Thereafter, seven other vehicles were turned out including Water Bowser Gowliguda; Water Bowser Jubilee Hills, Multi-purpose Tender (MPT) Salarjung Museum, Bronto sky lift from Secretariat, Simon Snorkel, MPT from Yakuthpura and 7. MPT Secretariat for assistance.

After reaching the fire Spot, the crew started both firefighting and rescue operations simultaneously and brought down around 21 members with the help of ladders and staircases. Injured/unconscious persons were sent to the Hospital.

Fire Fighting Operations were supervised by K. Madhusudana Rao, District Fire Officer, Secunderabad, and supported by V. Dhanunjaya Reddy, Assistant District Fire Officer, Assembly, and Station Fire officers concerned.

The Fire spot was visited by Y. Nagi Reddy, DGFS; G.V. Narayana Rao, ADFS; B. Sudhakar Rao, Deputy Director, B. Harinatha Reddy, Regional Fire Officer, Central Region supervised overall Fire Fighting Operations till the Fire was completely extinguished.

The Fire is completely extinguished. All vehicles were withdrawn from the Fire Ground except Multi-Purpose Tenders (MPT) of Fire Station Salarjung Museum & Fire Station Assembly which are stationed at the fire ground as a precautionary measure.

The cause of the Fire is under investigation, the release added.(UNI)