Bhubaneswar: Panic gripped traders and shoppers after a massive fire broke out at the bustling Unit-I market in Bhubaneswar today, destroying several shops and goods worth lakhs of rupees.
According to preliminary reports, the fire is believed to have originated from a grocery shop before rapidly spreading to adjacent stores. Within minutes, thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfed four to five shops in the crowded marketplace.
Upon receiving information, as many as 11 fire tenders were pressed into service. Firefighters launched a massive operation to bring the blaze under control, battling the flames for several hours.
While no casualties or injuries have been reported so far, traders have suffered extensive property losses.
Police and fire officials have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary suspicions point to a possible electrical short circuit, though confirmation is awaited.
The Unit-I market, one of the capital city’s busiest commercial hubs, attracts thousands of visitors daily. The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in congested trading zones.
