Baripada: A massive fire broke out at an electric vehicle showroom in Baripada town of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district in the early hours of Saturday, reducing several vehicles to ashes and causing extensive damage to the property.
As per sources, the blaze is believed to have erupted due to an electric short circuit around 2 am at the showroom, located in Dargadahahi area of Baripada. After receiving information from locals, emergency services including 3 fire service teams immediately rushed to the spot and battled the inferno for nearly 2 hours before bringing it under control.
By then, the showroom had suffered extensive damage, with more than 12 battery-operated vehicles completely gutted. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
According to eyewitnesses, thick smoke and flames quickly engulfed the premises, leaving little chance to salvage the vehicles and equipment inside. Officials confirmed that the fire reduced the entire stock to ashes, leaving the showroom owner devastated. The losses included electric scooters, e-rickshaws, spare parts and showroom infrastructure estimated to be worth Rs 50–60 lakh.
Sources said around 10 EV Scooters and 2 battery operated autos were gutted in the shop.
Fire officials suspect a short circuit as the possible cause which started the fire, though the exact reason is yet to be confirmed. Police have registered a case and are conducting further investigation into the incident.
