Breaking News: Major Fire Engulfs SBI Administrative Building at Patny Center, Secunderabad
Secunderabad, May 5, 2025 – A massive fire broke out on the evening of May 4, 2025, at the State Bank of India (SBI) administrative building located at Patny Center, Secunderabad, Telangana, causing widespread panic and significant disruption in the area. The blaze, which reportedly originated on the fourth or fifth floor of the Bhagyodaya Building, rapidly spread, engulfing upper levels and producing thick, dark smoke visible from a distance.
Incident Details
The fire erupted around 8:00 PM IST on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in the SBI administrative office, which houses critical operations, including home loan and insurance sections. Initial reports suggest a short circuit as the likely cause, though authorities are yet to confirm the exact trigger. The flames spread quickly, fueled by a strong breeze, and dense smoke filled the surrounding areas, causing alarm among nearby residents and apartment dwellers.
Local residents alerted the police and fire department promptly. Seven fire tenders from various stations, supported by water tankers from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), were deployed to combat the blaze. Firefighters faced challenges due to the thick smoke, which reduced visibility and complicated entry into the building. Skylifters and powerful exhausters were used to access the fourth floor and evacuate smoke, aiding firefighting efforts.
Response and Rescue Operations
The Mahankali police, led by Station House Officer K. Parashuram, acted swiftly to divert traffic and manage onlookers on the arterial road near Patny Center, where a traffic jam ensued due to the incident. Electricity to the building was cut off to ensure safety during the operation. One individual present in the office at the time of the fire safely evacuated, and no casualties have been reported so far.
Firefighting operations, which extended late into the night, eventually brought the blaze under control after several hours. However, the intensity of the fire is believed to have caused significant damage, with critical documents, records, and office equipment, including computers and furniture, reportedly destroyed. The full extent of the damage is still under assessment.
Impact and Concerns
The fire has raised concerns about the safety of important financial records stored in the SBI administrative office. Preliminary reports indicate that key files and documents may have been lost, which could disrupt banking operations and affect customers. The incident has also highlighted potential vulnerabilities in fire safety measures at commercial buildings in densely populated urban areas like Secunderabad.
Nearby residents expressed fear and anxiety as flames and smoke engulfed the area, with some describing the scene as chaotic. Posts on X reflected public concern, with users sharing images of the towering flames and urging authorities to act swiftly. The rapid spread of the fire underscored the urgency of the situation, with some describing it as “uncontrollable” in its early stages.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. While a short circuit is the leading theory, officials are examining other potential factors, such as electrical faults or human error. The SBI management has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or its impact on operations, but sources indicate that the bank is working to assess losses and ensure continuity of services.
Broader Context
This incident follows a history of fire accidents in Secunderabad and Hyderabad, including a 2019 fire at the SBI Alwal branch and a 2023 blaze in a commercial building in Secunderabad, where four people were rescued. These events have prompted calls for stricter fire safety regulations and regular inspections of public and commercial buildings.
Community and Official Response
Telangana authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation. The fire department’s swift response and coordination with local police helped prevent a larger catastrophe, though the loss of critical infrastructure remains a concern. Residents and businesses in the Patny Center area are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as cleanup and recovery efforts begin.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses and SBI evaluates the full impact of the fire. For the latest developments, stay tuned to trusted news sources.
