Bhubaneswar: Fire engulfed garment shops in the underground market at Unit-I Market Building area in Bhubaneswar late on Thursday, the night of Diwali.
According to sources, the fire was reported in shop no 23 and soon spread like wildfire. Some locals spotted it and alerted Fire Service personnel. Around 10 fire engines were pressed into service and it took them around 6 hours to douse the flames even as valuables worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed. The seal on the dome of the closed market complex was broken and pipes were inserted to suck out the smoke. Exhaust fans were also used.
Two among the 25 shops there were completely gutted and the staffers were later seen attempting the salvage the goods. The smoke entered other shops too through the AC ducts and spoiled the clothes.
“We were in our houses when the fire broke out at midnight. I don’t think any firecracker or earthen lamp led to the mishap. It was probably due to a short circuit. The market will remain shut for 10-15 days,” a local told the media.