Bhubaneswar, 20 January (H.S.): A massive fire swept through the Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar late Monday night, destroying more than 40 shops and causing extensive property damage. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties were reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

According to fire officials, the fire first broke out at around 1:45 a.m. at an idol shop located near the Capital Police Station. The flames quickly spread to a parked scooter before engulfing adjacent shops. The situation escalated when several LPG cylinders stored inside the shops exploded, intensifying the fire. The presence of plastic goods in nearby establishments further fuelled the blaze, making firefighting operations more difficult.

To contain the inferno, 13 fire tenders, robotic monitors, and a specialised striking fire force team were deployed. Nearly 70 fire service personnel, along with 10 fire officers, worked for almost three hours to bring the fire under control.

Officials said the fire was prevented from spreading further due to an open parking area behind the affected shops, which acted as a natural firebreak.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Chanchal Rana acknowledged that despite repeated warnings, some traders continued selling plastic goods, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. He added that emergency response teams and officials from two tehsils have been deployed to assess the damage and ensure that necessary government assistance is provided to the affected shopkeepers.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda