A mighty fire broke out at Mangala Gowri Shopping Mall, on Road No.36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Panic enveloped shoppers and staff following intense smoke and flames on numerous floors. Emergency services arrived at the scene, but the fire burned so intensely that its handling was challenging.
The fire was reportedly reported as beginning in a clothes showroom in the mall. Because of the highly flammable substances in the fabrics and packaging, the flames quickly spread to other levels. Within minutes smoke was on view from afar, catching the eye of a nearby crowd along with daily commuters. Videos shared over social media suggested huge plumes of black smoke were rising up from the building, and people outside were jolted as they stood around.
Three fire tenders arrived soon after the alarm went. Firefighters began to fight off the flames and keep them from continuing. First, their foremost priority was to rescue whoever was trapped inside and secure the adjacent area. Police also arrived to moderate traffic and prevent pedestrians and passersby from coming into harm’s way. The response is still ongoing with the police officers.
The authorities said that rescue teams have been sent to check whether people are inside the mall. Ambulances were prepared to provide medical assistance to any who were suffering from smoke inhalation or minor injuries. The fire department struggled under the enormity of the blaze and the building itself, which created a scenario in which flames could go quickly from floor to floor. Residents applauded the swift action of the fire-fighting services, though many expressed concern that the commercial complexes involved in the developments also faced fire safety issues. Whether the mall had sufficient fire alarms and sprinklers and emergency exits were questioned.
Twitter, especially Facebook, was all over the place with people all over the internet using the popular hashtags like #FireAccident and #Hyderabad, driving conversations around the event. Residents posted videos and news, while others called on authorities to beef up safety inspections in shopping malls and crowded public places. Many noted that such accidents underscore the need to follow fire safety guidelines to the letter.
The Mangala Gowri Shopping Mall fire exemplifies how susceptible public spaces can be when safety protocols are not well taken. Firefighters were the first in the line of defense for the area, but the situation has brought serious concern about preparedness and prevention. The fire is expected to be investigated and to follow up on the cause of the tragedy in the future with a statement that no further such disasters will take place.
