70 houses burnt to ashes in Kendrapara

Kendrapara: About 70 thatched houses were reduced to ashes and a dozen villagers suffered burn injuries when a major fire swept through Gadaramito village under Mahakalpada Police Station today, police said.

The fire broke out in a house at around 4.30am this morning and spread to other neighbouring houses fast mainly because they were thatched, Mahakalapada Police Station SI Padarabinda Tripathy said.

Police, however, could not ascertain the reason behind the fire, in which, victims claimed to have lost property of an total estimated value of Rs one crore.

Fire engines from Kendrapara rushed to the spot and after an hour-long battle brought the blaze under control.