A major fire broke out at the Market Building, one of Bhubaneswar’s busiest commercial hubs, early on Monday morning, causing extensive damage to several shops. The fire, which reportedly started around 5:00 AM, spread rapidly before firefighters managed to bring the situation under control.

According to officials, the blaze initially engulfed a cloth shop before quickly spreading to nearby establishments. Firefighters rushed to the scene and deployed three water tankers to douse the flames. After several hours of firefighting efforts, the fire was successfully brought under control.

Initial reports suggested that more than eight shops had caught fire. However, as the situation became clearer, officials indicated that over 20 shops were affected by the blaze. Goods stored inside the shops were completely destroyed, reducing inventories and property to ashes.

The thick black smoke rising from the commercial complex triggered panic among local residents and shopkeepers, many of whom gathered at the spot soon after learning about the incident. Fire and emergency personnel worked continuously to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining shops.

Authorities suspect that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Officials have stated that the reason behind the fire will only be established after a detailed investigation.

As a precautionary measure, nearby shops were secured to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of any casualties or injuries.

The exact extent of the financial losses is yet to be assessed. Officials from the Fire Services Department have launched an investigation into the incident, and a comprehensive damage assessment will be carried out once the affected area is declared completely safe.

The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in crowded commercial markets, highlighting the need for regular electrical inspections and improved emergency preparedness.