Bhubaneswar: A massive fire broke out at the Unit-I Haat, the largest daily market in Odisha’s capital city, on Wednesday, destroying around 30 shops and causing property damage worth several crores of rupees, officials said.
According to fire department sources, the blaze started early in the morning and quickly spread through a section of the market where clothes, plastic items, and electrical goods were stored. At least six fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the situation under control after more than three hours of firefighting efforts.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. However, traders said most of their goods were reduced to ashes before the fire could be contained.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though officials said the exact cause is yet to be determined.
Senior police and municipal officials visited the site to assess the damage, while the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has assured affected shopkeepers of assistance.
Authorities have ordered a detailed probe into the incident.
-OdishaAge
