A significant fire erupted at a firecracker shop, Paras Fireworks, in Hyderabad’s Abids area on Sunday, quickly spreading to a neighboring restaurant. The blaze caused minor injuries to a woman and resulted in the destruction of at least eight parked vehicles, as reported by local police.
According to authorities, the firecracker shop was operating without a valid license, raising serious concerns about safety regulations in densely populated urban areas. Sultan Bazar Assistant Commissioner of Police K. Shankar emphasized the illegal status of the establishment, stating, “The shop has no certificate. It was an illegal shop. We will take strict action against them.”
Emergency response teams were promptly deployed, including three fire engines, to combat the rapidly spreading flames and prevent further damage to adjacent buildings. The fire was successfully extinguished by 10:45 PM, but not before causing significant disruption and concern in the community.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as shoppers and bystanders rushed out of the shop amidst the explosion of firecrackers. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from a distance, prompting residents to alert emergency services.
Authorities continue to monitor the area to ensure the safety of nearby residents and to mitigate any further hazards posed by the remaining stock of firecrackers. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances leading up to this dangerous incident.
Local officials are now calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in areas where such establishments pose a risk to public safety. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.