Massive Fire Guts Cuttack Fish Market, Bank Branch Suffers Heavy Damage

Cuttack: A massive fire broke out at the fish market near Press Chhak in Cuttack late Sunday night, completely destroying the market and causing extensive damage to a bank branch operating on the upper floor of the building.

According to reports, the blaze erupted at around 2 am and quickly spread through the structure. The presence of a paint godown inside the building reportedly intensified the fire, making firefighting operations extremely challenging.

At least 10 fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the flames under control. However, dense smoke and the intensity of the blaze hampered efforts, and firefighters continued battling the fire for several hours.

The fire also engulfed the upper floor housing a branch of the Bank of India, raising concerns over substantial losses. Bank documents, furniture, equipment, and other assets are feared to have been severely damaged. The branch was reportedly charred in the incident, with several bundles of currency notes destroyed in the fire.

Initial estimates suggest that cash worth approximately Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh belonging to fish traders was reduced to ashes. The blaze devastated the livelihoods of around 17 fish traders, whose shops, deep freezers, equipment, and business assets were completely destroyed.

Firefighters faced significant difficulties entering the premises due to the thick smoke billowing from the building. The incident has triggered panic and distress among the local business community, with many traders reportedly losing their life savings and primary source of income.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Further details are awaited as authorities continue their assessment of the damage.