Bhubaneswar Unit‑I Market Closed After Fire Destroys 40 Shops
Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: A massive fire broke out late on January 19 at the Unit‑I Market in Bhubaneswar, gutting more than 40 shops and leaving traders devastated.
The blaze, which started in the vending kiosks outside the market, spread rapidly and caused extensive damage to property.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though the financial losses are expected to be significant.
In response, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered the closure of the market on January 20 to facilitate cleaning, debris removal, and a thorough inspection of fire safety arrangements.
Officials have assured that the closure is temporary and aimed at ensuring public safety before normal operations resume. Vendors have been urged to cooperate with civic staff during the restoration process.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire preparedness in crowded marketplaces, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
