Massive fire destroys seven shops, mobile phones worth lakhs in Odisha’s Berhampur

A devastating fire broke out on Friday evening in Dhobabandha vending zone near First Gate in Berhampur City under Bada Bazaar police limits in Ganjam district, destroying at least seven shops and causing significant property damage.

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The fire erupted at around 5.40 PM due to a suspected short circuit in one of the shops, rapidly spreading to six others.

Within a few moments, stock worth lakhs of rupees, including mobile phones, clothing, gifts, garage items, and a tyre shop’s inventory, was completely destroyed.

On being informed, three fire brigade teams rushed to the scene, striving for over two hours to control the blaze. The firefighting operation involved more than ten personnel combating the intense fire.

Affected shopkeepers, mostly from middle-income backgrounds, demanded compensation for their losses. Berhampur MLA K. Anil Kumar visited the site, consulted with the victims, and assured them of government support after a detailed assessment of the damage.

The fire also caused temporary traffic jams near First Gate Chhak, which cleared after the fire was fully extinguished.

“It has not yet been ascertained as to how the inferno broke out. I will discuss with the local administration in this regard, and compensation, whatever is possible, will be given to the affected shopkeepers,” MLA K. Anil Kumar said, while speaking to mediapersons.

Police have initiated a probe into the fire incident.