11 charred to death in massive fire in timber godown

Daily wagers killed hail from Maharashtra and Bihar.

At least 11 persons were charred to death after a massive fire broke out in a timber depot-cum-scrap godown at Bhoiguda of Secundurabad in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Police said that the fire broke out around 4 a.m. and the victims, who work as daily wagers, hailed from Bihar.

At least 15 workers had been sleeping at the site at the time of accident. While two persons escaped to safety, 13 were stuck inside. Rescue officials have retrieved 11 bodies and shifted them to Gandhi Hospital morgue for autopsy.

“They were sleeping in two rooms on the floor of the godown when the fire broke out. We suspect they were trapped and inhaled smoke, before they were burnt to death,” a senior police officer told The Hindu.

Around nine fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire. Officials suspect short-circuit could be the reason for the fire accident. However, the exact reason is yet to be ascertained.

The bodies were burnt beyond recognition. Experts would conduct DNA test of the victims before their bodies are handed over to the family members for last rites after autopsy.

“While 11 persons were burnt alive, one person was rescued,” the officer said initially.