Bhubaneswar, 6 December (H.S.): A fire broke out on Saturday in the housekeeping room of the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, triggering panic among patients, attendants, and staff. The blaze, initially suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, was swiftly contained by the Fire Department.

Witnesses reported dense smoke emerging from the room, following which locals and hospital personnel immediately alerted authorities. Firefighters reached the spot promptly and managed to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby wards.

The housekeeping room stored phenyl, clothing materials, and various hospital supplies—all of which were damaged in the incident. However, no injuries or casualties were reported.

Hospital authorities have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the precise cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage. Normal hospital operations have since resumed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda