City Light Hotel served Irani chai

City Light Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the city. One of the very few left to serve Hyderabad's trademark, Irani chai during the mornings.

It was a meeting point for all the construction laborers and GHMC workers who hit the place every morning to have piping hot Irani tea with Osmania biscuits.Today too was no exception. Like every other day, the place was filled with many people when the old building came crashing down. (Also Read)

One person who escaped unhurt said, "There are more than 35 people inside. The police has rescued 15 persons so far, but I guess there are 20 more trapped under the debris."

The deceased have been identified as Raja, Murali, Santhosh,Manoj, Nanu, and V. Ramesh. It is also learnt that the owner of the hotel is among those trapped, while some say he was rescued.

GHMC commissioner who is overseeing rescue operations at the spot said that the cause of the collapse will be known after the investigation. He also said that huge quantity of 'Haleem' was being prepared at the top of the building. 15 buildings in Secunderabad were demolished in the last month. However, this particular hotel looked pretty good from outside, he said. "There are several old buildings in the area and notices have been served to their owners. This building did not fall under that list," the GHMC commissioner said. Debris will be cleared before the evening, he added.

Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma told reporters that so far 12 bodies were recovered while 11 injured were taken out.  "We suspect another 20 people may be trapped under the debris. sought help of search experts from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)" he said.

- Siva@sakshipost