There was a fire incident at the Second Block of the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, prompting unease among the staff and officials. From early indications, it appears the inferno might have been started from the area that houses the battery. SPF security officials first sighted the phenomenon and informed the fire safety officers in due course. These were swift enough in smothering the fires to keep it from causing even greater destruction.
The authorities have initiated a comprehensive probe to ascertain whether the fire resulted from an electrical fault or if there is any element of suspicion involved. Because the Secretariat is of high-security significance, the senior authorities are closely monitoring and ensuring that suitable fire safety practices are enhanced.
The Second Block has space for some key ministers’ offices, like Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Municipal Administration Minister Narayana, and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. The incident has raised serious doubts regarding the safety and security of these high-profile government offices.
Luckily, the fire happened in the morning when no staff was inside the building. Initial estimates indicate that a fault in the battery room could have led to the accident. Still, authorities have confirmed that no casualties or serious damages have been reported.