Breaking - 'best' Birmingham balti house on fire as owner reveals hero moment
Firefighters were battling a fire at one of Birmingham's best known balti restaurants on Sunday morning, June 22.
Emergency service crews were called at 11:15am to Shababs Balti Restaurant on Ladypool Road after a fryer caught ablaze.
Hours after smoke was seen pouring out of the top floor of the iconic eatery, Shababs owner Zaf Hussain revealed how a member of public saved one of his staff members from the rapidly spreading flames after walking past a ladder by chance.
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West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police confirmed that one person was injured in this morning's blaze and crews from three city stations were mobilised to the scene.
"Everyone is ok," owner Mr Hussain told BirminghamLive.
"It was a member of the public who smashed the window who saved the person .
"There was so much smoke." He added that the fire brigade got to the scene moments after the heroic rescue.
Mr Hussain added: "Luckily, that person was passing by, there was a ladder there because of nearby works we were having.
"It started in the kitchen, it was a fryer that caught fire. It has been absolutely crazy."
Mr Hussain added that the restaurant has plans to expand as it is very busy, but that will now be put on hold as they assess the damage.
The restaurant also posted on their Instagram story on Sunday afternoon to say: "We are closed due to a fire. Will update as soon as we know more."
Shababs first opened its doors in 1987 and is one of Birmingham's most well-known Balti Triangle restaurants.
The iconic Balti house recently featured on BBC2 when Michael Portillo paid a visit and gets regular visits from YouTubers.
Hanzala Hussain was heading out to get his haircut on Ladypool Road when he saw the 999 response.
An eye-witness to the aftermath, 23-year-old Mr Hussain said: "Police blocked the road off at the traffic lights so people could not get in but people were coming to have a look.
"The police said we could not go because of the fumes.
"I heard the fire brigade come from Highgate, I kept hearing fire engines, I live on Stratford Road.
"Then I heard police."
A West Midlands Fire Control spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "We were called at 11:12am, we mobilised crews from Highgate, Ladywood and Hay Mills.
"Crews have left the scene is has concluded.
"One person was taken to hospital for precautionary checks."
A West Midlands Police spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "We were called to a fire at a property on Ladypool Road, Birmingham at around 11.15am this morning (22 June).
"Officers supported fire and ambulance colleagues at the scene, thankfully no one was reported seriously injured."
With nearly 1,600 Google reviews of four stars and above, diners regularly praise the "five star" taste, "nice atmosphere" and "properly authentic" Balti at Shababs.
Favoured dishes include the famous Balti dish, mixed sizzling starters, naans and chicken tikka massala.
Footage of the smoking building was shared on the local Instagram page 'birmzisgrime', where shocked Brummies commented in disbelief.
Commenting on the public page, Instagram user @sativasensi1980 wrote: "Noooooooooooo!!! This is the best curry in Birmingham!! Devastating! The owners are great people and i hope the damage isn't too bad and manage to get everything back up and running soon!!"
@awayendbanter added: "Best curry in brum ngl."
@chrismacdonald5256 wrote: "No best curry in Birmingham."
@ceciskym wrote simply: "Shababs" with a tearful emoji.
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