Baleshwar: A massive fire broke out at a restaurant near DIC Chhak in Odisha’s Baleshwar on Monday following a cooking gas cylinder explosion.
According to preliminary information, the inferno, triggered by an LPG gas cylinder explosion inside the kitchen, rapidly engulfed the entire structure and spread to several vehicles parked nearby.
While no casualty has so far been reported, the fire reportedly caused extensive damage to property of the restaurant, besides destroying several vehicles parked outside.
Eyewitnesses said a loud explosion was heard inside the restaurant, followed by flames and thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Within minutes, the blaze raged out of control, causing severe damage to the property.
On being informed, fire service personnel rushed to the scene immediately. Firefighters battled the blaze to prevent it from spreading to adjacent commercial establishments on the bustling corridor.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain whether standard safety protocols and fire mitigation measures were in place at the venue.
Further details regarding the extent of the damage are awaited