Fire at BHEL unit in Ramachandrapuram, no casualties

SANGAREDDY: A major fire broke out today at a Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited ( BHEL) unit at Ramachandrapuram in Medak district, in which, at least two electric turbines were completely gutted, officials said.

However, no loss of human lives nor injuries to anyone was reported by the Fire Department.

The fire started at a workshop of the unit at around 8.45 am, apparently due to short-circuit during the testing of the electric equipments, they said adding that the blaze suddenly spread and it took about 3 hours for the fire personnel to douse the flames.

"The cause of the fire seems to be due to short-circuit. Eight fire engines were pressed into service to extinguish the major fire. No one was injured in the incident. Two electric turbines and power generators were totally burnt," Patancheru Fire Range officer J Chandra Reddy told PTI.

Reacting to reports that the fire damaged power equipments worth several crore rupees, the Fire officer said they were awaiting a report from BHEL authorities on the extent of the loss and damage to property among other details.