Cellar Fire At Gachibowli Apartment In Hyderabad Triggers Evacuation, 14 Hospitalised

A fire broke out in the parking lot of an apartment building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli area on Monday, April 20, triggering panic after thick smoke rapidly filled the premises. Officials said the blaze occurred at an apartment in TNGOs Colony, where smoke was seen billowing out from the cellar, prompting an emergency response from firefighters.

Fire began in cellar electrical panel

According to the Telangana Fire Department, the fire started in the cellar area of the apartment complex. The flames are believed to have originated from an electrical panel before spreading further inside the parking zone.

Speaking to Siasat.com, an official from the Telangana Fire Department said, "The electrical panel in the cellar caught fire, which spread to the discarded furniture and two vehicles there."

The incident quickly led to dense smoke covering the building, causing alarm among residents and forcing authorities to begin evacuation efforts.

Thick smoke triggers panic among residents

Videos shared on social media from the scene showed heavy smoke rising from the cellar of the apartment building in Gachibowli. The visuals highlighted the intensity of the smoke, which appeared to engulf large parts of the structure and created panic among those inside.

Officials said fire engines were rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported, and firefighting personnel worked to bring the situation under control.

The Telangana Fire Department official confirmed that multiple fire engines were used to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.

16 evacuated, 14 taken to hospital

Rescue teams evacuated several residents from the building as the smoke spread through the apartment complex. Authorities said a total of 16 people were brought out safely during the operation.

Providing an update on the casualties, the official said, "As many as 16 people were evacuated from the building. At least 14 have been admitted to a hospital as they inhaled the smoke. One of them is critical."

The official statement indicates that most of the injuries were linked to smoke inhalation rather than direct burn injuries.

Loss assessment still underway

While the immediate firefighting and evacuation operation was carried out, officials said the full extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

The estimated loss caused by the fire is still being assessed. Authorities are expected to carry out a detailed inspection once the site is fully secured and the cause is formally documented.