Massive Fire Guts 40 Shops at Bhubaneswar’s Unit-I Market

Bhubaneswar: A massive fire broke out at Bhubaneswar’s busiest commercial hub, Unit-I Haat, on Wednesday afternoon, destroying around 40 shops and causing property loss worth several lakhs of rupees.

According to the Fire Services Department, the blaze started around 2:40 PM in a grocery shop and quickly spread to nearby stores due to the presence of inflammable materials. Thick smoke and intense flames engulfed a large portion of the market, sparking panic among traders and customers.

Upon receiving the alert, more than 140 firefighters and 15 fire engines rushed to the spot and launched a massive operation. The teams battled the blaze for nearly 30 minutes before bringing it under control.

“Due to the presence of highly combustible items, the fire spread rapidly. Our immediate focus was to contain the flames and prevent further damage,” said Ramesh Majhi, a senior Fire Department official.

No casualties have been reported so far. Authorities said an investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire once the site is completely cooled and secured.

Traders expressed deep distress over the extensive damage, as many shops and goods were reduced to ashes. The Unit-I market, one of the capital city’s most crowded shopping areas, draws thousands of visitors every day.