A devastating fire broke out early today at the V2 Shopping Mall located on Sarbahal Road in Jharsuguda, sparking panic among locals and shopkeepers.
The flames quickly spread to a jewellery store inside the mall, intensifying the blaze and causing widespread destruction.
Firefighters from the Jharsuguda Fire Department, supported by Vedanta Fire Services, battled the inferno for nearly three hours before bringing it under control. Their relentless effort prevented the fire from spreading further into nearby establishments.
Reports indicate that both the lower and upper floors of the mall were completely gutted, with merchandise reduced to ashes. Preliminary estimates suggest losses running into several lakhs of rupees.
Initial investigations point to a short circuit as the likely cause of the fire. Authorities have begun a detailed probe to confirm the source and assess safety lapses.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in commercial complexes across the district. Local residents expressed shock at the scale of destruction and urged stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent such disasters in the future.
The Jharsuguda mall fire stands as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of crowded commercial spaces and the urgent need for robust preventive systems.
