Bhubaneswar, June 1: A massive fire that broke out at the fish market near Press Chhak in Cuttack during the early hours of Monday caused widespread devastation, completely gutting the market and severely damaging a Bank of India branch operating on the upper floor of the building.
According to reports, the blaze erupted at around 2 a.m. and spread rapidly through the structure. Fire officials said the presence of a paint godown inside the building accelerated the spread of the flames, making firefighting operations extremely difficult. Nearly 10 fire engines were deployed to the spot and worked for several hours to contain the inferno. However, dense smoke and intense heat continued to hamper rescue and firefighting efforts.
The fire engulfed the entire fish market, reducing shops, stocks, deep freezers, equipment and other assets to ashes. Preliminary estimates suggest that cash worth around ₹50 lakh to ₹60 lakh belonging to fish traders was destroyed in the blaze. Around 17 traders are believed to have suffered substantial losses, with many losing their entire business capital and source of livelihood.
The Bank of India branch located on the upper floor also sustained extensive damage. Furniture, documents, electronic equipment and other assets were reportedly charred in the fire. Several bundles of currency notes stored inside the premises were also destroyed, raising concerns about significant financial losses.
The incident triggered panic among traders and local residents as thick smoke continued to billow from the building long after the fire broke out. Authorities are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
A detailed investigation is expected once the site is declared safe and firefighting operations are fully completed.
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