Astoria Hotel gutted in fire  

Hyderabad: Fire engulfed one of city’s most favorite Irani cafes, New Astoria Restaurant at RTC crossroads destroying the first floor of the restaurant completely in the early hours on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the complex which also has boy’s hostel was immediately evacuated before the fire spread out. District fire officer M Srinivas Reddy said that a short circuit could be the reason for fire. “The blaze was noticed by the traffic personnel who informed the fire control room and we immediately sent fire-tenders from Musheerabad and the Secretariat,” Srinivas said.

The officials also made sure that the blaze didn’t spread to the adjacent buildings which would have caused huge loss of property. The Margadarsi Chit fund office on third floor was reported to be safe. Although no causalities have been reported, property worth Rs 15 lakh is said to be damaged.