A fire broke out early Monday morning in the cellar parking area of an apartment complex in Gachibowli’s TNGOs Colony, sending thick smoke billowing through the building and triggering panic among residents. Eyewitness videos circulating online show dense smoke engulfing the premises as people rushed to safety. The situation escalated quickly due to poor ventilation in the cellar, allowing smoke to spread into upper floors within minutes.

According to officials from the Telangana Fire Department, the blaze reportedly started from an electrical panel in the cellar and rapidly spread to discarded furniture and two parked vehicles nearby. Fire engines were immediately dispatched to the spot, and emergency teams worked to control the flames and evacuate residents. Around 16 people were safely rescued from the building during the operation.

At least 14 residents were admitted to nearby hospitals after inhaling smoke, with one individual reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are still assessing the extent of property damage caused by the fire. The incident once again exposes the negligence around fire safety compliance in residential buildings, especially in high-density areas like Gachibowli, where a single fault can turn into a mass-casualty situation within minutes.