A massive fire broke out at the Paras Fireworks shop in Hyderabad’s bustling Abids area on Sunday night, sending shockwaves through the busy commercial center. Although no fatalities were reported, the blaze left one woman injured, who was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment.
Fire Erupts in Hyderabad’s Abids Area Firecracker Shop, Causes Panic and Destruction Ahead of Deepavali
Three fire engines responded swiftly, working to contain the fire, which had spread to a neighboring hotel and engulfed at least 10 two-wheelers parked nearby. The incident took place near the office of the Endowment Department, where loud explosions from burning firecrackers sparked panic among bystanders and shoppers.
Television channels broadcasted dramatic footage of customers fleeing the store in panic, creating a near-stampede at the shop’s entrance as people scrambled to escape the fire. Flying firecrackers and loud blasts intensified the chaos, ultimately consuming the entire shop in flames. A transformer nearby was also damaged, contributing to the spread of the fire into the adjacent hotel.
The fire erupted at Paras Fireworks while customers were inside shopping for the upcoming Deepavali festival. The cause of the fire is still unknown, with senior police and fire department officials on-site to investigate further.
This incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by firecracker shops located in densely populated areas, especially during festive seasons. Hyderabad has experienced similar accidents in the past. In 2002, six people tragically lost their lives in a firecracker store in Siddiamber Bazar after a fire spread to a hotel above the shop. In 2007, four young workers were killed in an illegal firecracker factory in Goshamahal, and in 2010, a fire erupted in Mahabubganj market’s Malakpet area, requiring hours of firefighting efforts, though fortunately, no lives were lost.
As authorities investigate the Abids fire, safety protocols for firecracker shops in crowded areas are once again under scrutiny, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to protect public safety, especially as Deepavali draws near.
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