Some 100 students boarding in the Telangana State Scheduled Caste Welfare Boys Hostel had a lucky escape on Tuesday. They returned from school, only to find their books, beds and things turned to ash.
A fire broke in the hostel on Tuesday afternoon, reportedly due to a failed pack of batteries used to run solar powered equipment.
Eyewitnesses, who also put out the fire, said the large batteries placed on the floor emanated thick smoke around 3.30 p.m. and soon the whole area was engulfed in fire. Within minutes the fire reduced to ashes some 50-60 bedding sets, books, personal things and electrical equipment in the hostel.
The hostel incharge warden was reportedly off duty on Tuesday and the watchman too was absent, and unavailable for comment.
Efforts in vain
Locals, K. Bal Reddy, Prasad and Narasimha Rao, who tried to put out the fire said they used water and sand to extinguish the flames, but failed.
“What if the fire broke out when students were inside, or when they were asleep. It could have been very tragic,” they said. Mattampally police officials said they had not received any complaint regarding the accident, however, on information they had visited the premises to inspect the damage. The locals pointed out that no fire engine was available at that time.
