Fire at Begumpet airport razes aircraft, helicopter

A major fire broke out in one of the hangars at Begumpet airport in Hyderabad late Monday night in which an aeroplane and a helicopter are suspected to be gutted, fire department officials said.

However, no one was injured in the fire that started at around 11.35 pm.

According to sources, the fire started allegedly after three explosions, resulting into huge flames.

At least six fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames, they said, adding the hangar (flight repair shed)

"The blaze was brought under control, though, the shed got damaged in the fire and one plane and a helicopter were suspected destroyed," a fire officer said.

"Exact cause of the fire was under investigation," assistant district fire officer Bhagwan Reddy said.

The airport is mostly used for landing of VIP planes.