HYDERABAD, 9 November (H.S.): Several fire incidents were reported in different parts of Hyderabad over the Diwali weekend, with a major blaze breaking out at a paper cups and plates manufacturing unit in Kukatpally in the early hours of Monday. Separate fires were also reported at godowns, commercial establishments and a residential building in other parts of the city.

The fire in Kukatpally's Asbestos Colony spread from the paper cups and plates manufacturing unit to adjoining GRB Ghee and Haldiram storage facilities. Thick smoke billowed from the premises as flames spread through the units. Five fire engines were deployed to control the blaze, while police and HYDRAA personnel also reached the spot. One person sustained injuries and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Several vehicles, including five autorickshaws and a DCM vehicle, were reportedly gutted in the fire. A short circuit or firecracker sparks are among the suspected causes, but the exact reason has not yet been established.

In another major incident on Sunday evening, a fire broke out at a plastic godown in the Mailardevpally industrial area and spread to an adjoining plywood godown. Three fire engines were pressed into service to bring the blaze under control. The goods stored in the two premises reportedly suffered extensive damage.

Other fire incidents were reported at a scrap godown in Jeedimetla, a building in Begum Bazar and a plastic godown in Mailardevpally. A medical distributor's shop was gutted in Secunderabad, while a house was completely gutted after a fire broke out in Jambagh.

Fire personnel rushed to the respective locations and undertook firefighting operations. The causes of the individual fires and the extent of property damage are yet to be fully ascertained. Further details are awaited.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar