Massive Fire Ravages Market Complex in Balangir, Losses Cross Rs 1 Crore

Balangir: A major fire swept through a three-storey commercial complex in the Gandhi Nagar area of Balangir town early on Friday, reducing eight shops to ashes and causing losses estimated to be over Rs 1 crore. An electrical short circuit is suspected to have sparked the blaze.

According to reports, smoke was seen billowing from a shop on the ground floor at around 5.30 am. Local residents immediately alerted the Fire Services, but the flames spread rapidly through the building before firefighters could arrive.

More than three fire tenders were deployed to the spot, and after hours of firefighting, the blaze was brought under control.

The fire destroyed several business establishments, including a garage, a furniture showroom, a mixer grinder outlet, a vehicle spare parts shop, an electric vehicle (EV) bike garage and a portion of a medicine store.

Around 20 vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters and several electric vehicles that had been left at the garage for repairs, were completely gutted in the incident.

The fire caused extensive damage to property, stock and vehicles, with preliminary estimates putting the losses at more than Rs 1 crore. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Officials have begun assessing the total extent of the damage, while the exact cause of the fire is being investigated. Initial findings point to a possible electrical short circuit.