A devastating fire tore through the fish market near Press Chhak in Cuttack late Sunday night, causing extensive destruction to shops and severely damaging a Bank of India branch operating within the market complex. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than six hours as thick smoke and intense heat hampered rescue and containment efforts.
According to preliminary reports, the fire spread rapidly through the crowded market area, engulfing multiple shops before emergency teams could bring it under control. By the time fire service personnel arrived, large sections of the market had already been reduced to ashes.
One of the worst-hit structures was the Bank of India branch located inside the market complex. Initial reports suggest that cash exceeding ₹50 lakh may have been destroyed in the fire.
Apart from cash, several important documents, records, and office equipment were reportedly damaged. Authorities have not yet released an official estimate of the financial losses, and a detailed assessment is expected after the site is declared safe.
Fire officials said the operation was particularly difficult due to dense smoke generated by highly combustible materials stored on the ground floor. Plastic items, paint containers, tarpaulin sheets, and other flammable goods intensified the blaze and reduced visibility.
The firefighting effort was further complicated because the affected building had only one access route, making it difficult for emergency personnel to reach the most severely impacted areas.
