Swapnalok complex shut for stability check

Hyderabad: The Swapnalok complex has been temporarily closed by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for a structural stability check. JNTU will conduct a test and determine if it is safe to reopen the building.

The closure was prompted by Thursday’s fire that killed five persons and damaged huge property. The building, occupied by commercial establishments, was granted construction permission on August 12, 1985.

The cause of the fire and the effectiveness of fire safety equipment are currently being assessed by the fire services department. Personnel from GHMC’s disaster response force aided firefighting efforts and carried out search and rescue operations. 14 people were rescued and taken to hospitals.

Around 12 fire tenders, including three hydraulic platforms, were pressed into the firefighting operations. The complex will remain closed until further notice.