Late-Night Blaze Guts Dozens of Shops
A massive fire broke out at Bhubaneswar’s Unit-1 Market late on Sunday night, causing widespread destruction and panic among traders. The fire reportedly started around 1 a.m. and rapidly spread across the market, reducing several shops to ashes before it could be brought under control.
Fire Originated from Fruit and Plastic Shops
According to local residents, the blaze initially erupted at a fruit shop and quickly spread to nearby plastic and vending zone shops due to the presence of highly flammable materials. Witnesses said the flames continued to rage until nearly 3 a.m., making firefighting operations extremely challenging.
Over 25–40 Shops Destroyed, Losses Run into Crores
Preliminary reports suggest that between 25 and 40 shops were completely gutted in the fire. Traders have suffered losses worth several lakhs to crores of rupees, as stocked goods, including plastic items and daily essentials, were completely destroyed. Many shopkeepers broke down after watching their livelihoods burn before their eyes.
13 Fire Tenders, 70 Personnel Deployed
After receiving the alert, 13 fire tenders from Kalpana, Tamando, Secretariat, Chandrasekharpur, Balipatna, Pahala, and the Central Strike Force rushed to the spot. More than 70 fire personnel were deployed in the operation. Due to the intensity of the flames—rising nearly 20 feet high—firefighters initially struggled to enter the market area.
Plastic Materials Intensified the Fire
The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the fire has been completely brought under control. He stated that the presence of plastic materials significantly fueled the blaze, leading to its rapid spread and severe intensity. Firefighters had to battle the flames for nearly three hours before gaining control.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Ascertained
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, officials suspect that a gas cylinder explosion or an electrical short circuit may have triggered the incident. Police from Capital Police Station and nearby stations reached the site and assisted in crowd control and security.
Traders Seek Government Compensation
Affected traders have appealed to the state government for immediate compensation, stating that many had taken loans or borrowed money to stock goods. With their shops destroyed overnight, they now face an uncertain future.
Situation Under Control, Investigation Underway
By around 3 a.m., the fire was largely contained, preventing further spread. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the incident and assess the total damage.