Bhubaneswar: A major fire broke out in the godown of Odisha State Medical Corporation (OSMC) at Mancheswar Industrial Estate area here on Sunday night.
Medicines and other properties worth lakhs of rupees were reduced to ashes in the blaze, which started around 11:30 pm, and damaged the entire warehouse. Thick, billowing smoke engulfed the surrounding area. However, there were no reports of casualty or injury.
“Accidental fire broke out at Mancheswar MARKFED Godown number 3 at late night on 9th July, 2023. Some OSMCL supplies were stored in this godown (PPE kits, sanitizers and empty cylinders). All goods are under insurance coverage. The fire was controlled by prompt action of Police and Fire Services. There were no injuries or casualties,” the health department tweeted.
It took the Fire Service Personnel, who rushed to the spot with seven fire-fighting vehicles and water tankers, around seven hours to douse the flames. They had to use a JCB machine to gain access to the building. The walls of the warehouse were broken, which also prevented the blaze from spreading to other areas, sources said.
Though the reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, it is being suspected that an electrical short circuit might have led to the accident.
