Major fire breaks out at EV showroom in Odisha's Baripada, property worth Rs 50 lakh destroyed

An electric vehicle (EV) showroom was gutted in a major fire at Dargadahi in Odisha's Baripada, resulting in extensive damage to battery-operated scooters, an autorickshaw and other valuable property. The incident was reported in the early hours of Saturday, with losses estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees.

According to reports, the fire was noticed at around 2:30 am when some youths passing through the area observed smoke billowing from beneath the closed shutter of the showroom. They immediately alerted the Fire Department. When fire personnel arrived at the spot and broke open the shutter, the showroom was found to be completely engulfed in flames.

Firefighting Efforts And Damage

Given the intensity of the blaze, three fire tenders were deployed to control the situation. Firefighters worked to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Nearly 10 EV scooters were reportedly reduced to ashes in the incident. The fire was so severe that cracks developed in the walls of the showroom building, reportedly.

Several battery-operated scooters and autorickshaws, batteries and other valuable items stored inside the showroom were completely destroyed. After being informed by local residents, the showroom owner rushed to the spot and found the entire premises gutted by the fire.

Cause Under Investigation

Preliminary information suggests that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit. It is also suspected that the presence of EV batteries inside the showroom may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. However, the exact cause of the fire had not been officially established at the time of reporting.

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The showroom owner claimed that property worth nearly Rs 50 lakhs was destroyed in the incident. No injuries were reported, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the precise cause of the fire.