A devastating fire broke out late Monday night at a multi-storey market complex in the Dhauli-Lingipur area of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, gutting several shops and destroying property worth lakhs.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities due to the fire.
According to officials on Tuesday, the blaze erupted around 11 PM and quickly intensified due to a large stock of combustible materials, including plywood, plastics, and clothing that were stored in the complex.
A total of 40 fire tenders rushed to the spot and started a massive operation to contain the inferno, which continues to rage even after several hours, an official said.
Firefighters faced significant challenges as the building’s enclosed layout and lack of windows trapped dense smoke and extreme heat inside. To gain access to the upper floors, teams were forced to break through the building’s walls using cranes and specialised equipment.
Sudhanshu Sarangi, DG of Fire and Emergency Services, said, “Our team has so far doused the flames on three floors of the four-storey market complex. Efforts are underway to bring the fire under control on the fourth floor.
“All efforts are being made and required resources have been mobilised,” he said.
The officials informed that two employees trapped in the fire have been rescued from the complex. The blaze is suspected to have been caused by a short-circuit.
