A major fire broke out at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad late on Wednesday, 30 January.
Nine people have reportedly been admitted to the hospital, as 13 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to put out the fire. Their condition was later stated to be stable.
The disaster response force of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation was also put into service, PTI reported, citing officials.
The blaze, which apparently started from a stall spread to some others, creating panic among the visitors. Several of these stalls have been gutted, officials said.
The 45-day All-India Industrial Exhibition, popularly called 'Numaish’, started on 1 January.
- A major fire broke out at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad late on Wednesday, 30 January
- Nine people hospitalised, no casualties reported
- 13 fire tenders were deployed to put out the fire
- More than 100 stalls were gutted
Traders Protest, Seek Compensation
Traders whose makeshift shops were gutted in a fire that swept through the exhibition grounds in Hyderabad on Thursday staged a protest demanding compensation.
Meanwhile, police said investigation was on to ascertain the exact cause of the fire that broke out at the exhibition grounds Wednesday night destroying 130 makeshift stalls.
Traders said they suffered heavy property loss due to the fire and claimed they had taken loans to set up the stalls and demanded that the government extend financial assistance.
The protesting traders gathered near the Exhibition Grounds and raised slogans alleging the Exhibition Society did not make proper arrangements and no one came to their rescue when flames engulfed their stalls and destroyed shopping material, a charge denied by the Society.
Hyderabad Metro to Offer Free Rides to People From Nampally
Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited managing director NVS Reddy announced on Thursday, 31 January, that the Metro would offer free transport to people from Nampally since the roads were blocked, Hindustan Times reported.
Exhibition Might be Suspended on Thursday: Report
The Exhibition Society members met with police officials and it was suggested that the exhibition will not be opened on Thursday, 31 January. A final decision is yet to be taken, reported the Deccan Chronicle.
Incident Occurred Due to Shit Circuit, More Than 100 Shops Gutted
Musharraf Farooqi, Zonal Commissioner, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation said that the fire broke due to a short circuit and more than 100 shops have been gutted. He also said that the fire is under control now.
Meanwhile, a report by The Hindu claimed that the number of stalls gutted in the fire could be closer to 200. Different products, including clothing and cutlery stocked by stall owners, were reduced to ashes.
No casualties have been reported.