Panic gripped Unit‑I Market in Bhubaneswar early Saturday morning when a major fire broke out, completely destroying two shops and causing losses worth several lakhs of rupees.
Sources said the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit in one shop around dawn. Flames quickly spread to the adjoining establishment, reducing both units to ashes and destroying large quantities of stored goods.
Firefighting teams from Bhubaneswar Fire Station rushed to the spot. Two fire units battled the blaze for several hours before successfully extinguishing it. Their timely action prevented the flames from spreading to other shops and stalls in the busy market.
Eyewitnesses described moments of chaos as shopkeepers and workers tried to salvage goods before the fire intensified.
According to the Assistant Fire Officer, the affected shops included a grocery store and a khali shop. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.
