A major fire broke out at a market complex near CRP Square in Bhubaneswar on Friday, triggering panic in the area. The blaze reportedly started in a shop inside the Priyadarshini Market Complex and quickly spread, engulfing a large portion of the building.

Thick Smoke Engulfs Area, Panic Among Locals

Dense plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the market परिसर, creating a tense and chaotic situation. Local residents, along with police personnel, rushed to evacuate the area as a precautionary measure. The incident led to widespread fear among shopkeepers and visitors present at the time.

Firefighters Rush to Control Blaze

Upon receiving information, fire services personnel reached the spot promptly and launched an operation to douse the flames. At least six fire tenders have been deployed to bring the situation under control. Efforts are still underway to completely extinguish the fire.

Cause of Fire Yet to Be Confirmed

While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, initial reports suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Authorities have stated that a detailed investigation will be carried out once the fire is fully contained.

No Casualties Reported, Property Loss Feared

So far, no loss of life has been reported in the incident. However, significant damage to shops and property is feared as the fire spread rapidly through the market complex.

Series of Recent Fire Incidents Raise Concern

The incident comes close on the heels of several recent fire mishaps in Odisha. On March 16, a devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital’s Trauma ICU claimed 13 lives, raising serious concerns over fire safety measures.

Additionally, a major fire had recently broken out at a multi-storey supermarket near Dhauli-Lingipur on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, resulting in extensive property damage worth lakhs. Firefighters had struggled for hours before bringing that blaze under control.

Government on Alert

Following the SCB tragedy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had ordered a high-level probe and formed a fact-finding team led by the Development Commissioner. With recurring fire incidents, questions are now being raised about fire safety compliance in commercial and public establishments across the capital.

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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.

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