A major fire that broke out in a multi-storeyed commercial complex resulted in chaos and created panic among those trapped in the top floors at RTC Complex junction in Dwarakanagar here on Monday. Luckily, the timely arrival of the Fire and Police officials saved the situation and there were no casualties. Some thought it was a mock drill by the Fire Department as the Fire Safety Week commenced only on Sunday. The fire broke out in a digital offset printing unit located on the ground floor of the shopping complex, due to suspected electrical short-circuit, and the thick black smoke spread to the upper floors through the stairway.
Papers, colour printing paper, and other equipment were destroyed in the fire and this led to thick black smoke emanating from the shop. The smoke spread in all directions and it moved to the upper floors through the stairway. “We rushed six fire tenders from various units in the city besides the Bronto Sky lift,” said Station Fire Officer M. Sanjeeva Rao.
Meanwhile, Andhra Bank has released an official statement saying that its Dwarakanagar branch, located in the affected commercial complex, was not affected by the fire. The branch will start operations after getting permission from the authorities.
