Massive fire in Rourkela cracker market claims one life; 48 shops gutted

Rourkela: In a tragic prelude to Diwali, one person was killed while three others suffered critical burn injuries in a massive fire, which broke out in a cracker market on Power House Road here late on Tuesday. As many as 48 shops were gutted.

The deceased was identified as Bijwajit Jena. He was sleeping in one of the shops when the mishap occurred. Those injured were admitted to Rourkela Government Hospital.

As many as 18 motorcycles parked near the shops were completely damaged in the fire.

“The incident took place around 2:30 am. Nine fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames,” Rourkela DSP Pradyumna Kumar Mishra said.

Property worth over Rs 2 crore were reduced to ashes. The reason behind the fire mishap is yet to be ascertained, reports said.