Odisha: A massive fire broke out in the fish market near Press Chowk in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday morning. The entire fish market was reduced to ashes, while a nearby bank branch was also severely damaged. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing several nearby buildings.
According to preliminary information, the fire broke out in the fish market area around 2:30 a.m. Within a short time, it escalated and spread to nearby warehouses and other shops. The thick smoke emanating from the fire posed significant difficulties in rescue and relief operations. The situation was so severe that fire service personnel had to use oxygen masks while entering the scene.
The fire also engulfed the Bank of India branch located on the upper floor of a nearby building. Furniture, documents, and other materials stored in the bank premises were completely destroyed. Preliminary estimates indicate that the bank has also suffered significant financial losses.
The fire department deployed several fire tenders to the scene to extinguish the fire. To make the rescue operation more effective, a robotic firefighting vehicle was also brought in from Bhubaneswar, which helped in controlling the fire. After extensive efforts, the fire was finally brought under control.
Officials suspect that an electrical short circuit may have been the cause of the fire, although this can only be confirmed after an investigation. Local residents and traders say that a paint warehouse in a nearby building contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, further worsening the situation.
The loss in this incident is estimated to be over 50 lakh rupees. Fish traders claim that approximately 50 to 60 lakh rupees in cash was also destroyed in the fire. It is reported that due to banks being closed on Sunday, many traders had kept their sales proceeds with them and planned to deposit them in the bank on Monday.
Deep freezers, furniture, fish stocks, and other merchandise were completely destroyed in the fire. This incident has left many small and medium-sized traders in dire financial straits. There is an atmosphere of despair among traders due to the huge losses in the entire market.
The administration has currently launched an investigation into the matter and is trying to determine the actual cause of the fire.
