Rayagada: A major fire erupted at GIET University at Gunupur in Odisha’s Rayagada district on Saturday, causing significant damage in the building. The OJEE examination at the centre has been halted following the incident.
As per preliminary information, the fire broke out in the Computer Science Department’s main building at university. The blaze destroyed expensive computers and other critical equipment, reducing much of the department’s assets to ashes.
After getting information, two fire tenders from the Gunupur Fire station rushed to the site and extinguished the flames after over two hours. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, while preliminary findings indicate that a short circuit might have led to the mishap.
No injury to anyone has been reported, but the incident has raised concerns about safety measures in the university’s infrastructure. A detailed inquiry to determine the exact cause and prevent future occurrences is underway.
The OJEE exam, which was being conducted, was stopped halfway due to the fire. While a hundred students were appearing for the exam, only 40 minutes were left to complete the exam, but it was stopped due to safety concerns. Along with this, it is learnt that the second shift exam has also been cancelled.
