‘We thought we would die’: 6 trapped workers rescued safely from fire at Mangala Gowri saree store in Jubilee Hills
Thick black smoke quickly spread across multiple floors around 10:30 am, leaving workers disoriented and struggling to find an exit.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: A major fire broke out at Mangala Gowri cloth store on Road No. 36 in Jubilee Hills on Thursday, triggering panic among workers and shoppers.
Six workers, two women and four men, were trapped inside the building but were rescued safely after a dramatic escape and swift response by Fire Services and HYDRAA teams.
The blaze has since been brought under control.
Welding work sparks may have triggered fire
According to preliminary information, welding work was underway on the upper floors of the shopping complex when sparks allegedly fell on elevation material, igniting the fire.
Thick black smoke quickly spread across multiple floors around 10:30 am, leaving workers disoriented and struggling to find an exit.
Two women were working on the third floor, while four male workers were on the fifth floor, when the fire broke out.
Dramatic escape amid thick smoke
As flames and smoke engulfed the building, the trapped women raised an alarm, screaming for help. Raju, husband of one of the women working in the building, rushed to assist after learning about the situation.
With visibility drastically reduced due to dense smoke, he broke open the glass windows on the third floor to create a ventilation outlet and escape route. Using a ladder placed from the rear side of the building, the women were brought down safely.
‘We thought we would die’
Speaking to the media, Raju said they feared for their lives as smoke rapidly filled the floors.
“We thought we would die. Thick black smoke covered everything and we didn’t know which way to go. Some workers jumped onto the adjacent building. The rest of us broke the glass door and somehow managed to escape,” he said.
The workers also alleged that calls made to the building owner during the emergency went unanswered.
MLA confirms no casualties
Vallala Naveen Yadav, MLA of Jubilee Hills, who visited the spot, said no casualties were reported in the incident.
“Fire broke out at the Mangalya Gowri Saree showroom. No casualties have been reported. Around 10 people were working inside, but they came out of the building when the fire broke out,” he told mediapersons.
Fire services, HYDRAA act swiftly
Fire personnel rushed to the scene and battled the flames, while HYDRAA teams assisted in evacuation and rescue operations. Officials confirmed that those trapped inside were brought out safely.
Additional Director of HYDRAA, Varla Papaiah, along with other officials, inspected the site and reviewed the situation.
Fire under control
Authorities confirmed that the fire has been brought under control. An inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the extent of property damage and determine the exact cause of the incident.
Officials stressed the need for strict adherence to fire safety norms, particularly during welding and renovation works in commercial establishments.
