Massive fire engulfs cloth shop in Odisha’s Gunupur; four rescued

A massive fire broke out late on Tuesday night at the Ayyappa Dress Shop near the old bus stand on the main road in Gunupur, destroying property worth several lakhs of rupees.

According to sources, the blaze erupted around 2 am, reportedly due to a short circuit, and spread rapidly, engulfing the entire three-storey building housing the popular dress store.

Within minutes, huge quantities of dresses and fabrics were reduced to ashes.

Upon receiving information, firefighting units from Gunupur rushed to the spot but were soon overwhelmed by the intensity of the flames. 

Additional support from the Gumuda Fire Services was called in, and the teams battled the inferno for nearly four hours before bringing it under control.

In a dramatic rescue operation, four individuals trapped on the upper floors of the building were safely evacuated by firefighters.

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Though no casualties have been reported, the extent of property loss is estimated to be in several lakhs. 

Fire officials have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.