Cuttack Blaze Guts Fish Market, Bank of India Hit Hard

A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the bustling fish market near Press Chhak in Cuttack, engulfing several shops and severely damaging the Bank of India branch located inside the complex.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than six hours, struggling against thick smoke and intense heat caused by highly combustible materials such as plastic, paint, and tarpaulin stored in the market.

The single access route to the building further complicated firefighting efforts.

Preliminary reports suggest that cash exceeding Rs 50 lakh, along with vital documents and office equipment, may have been destroyed in the bank premises.

While the full extent of losses is yet to be officially assessed, authorities are expected to conduct a detailed evaluation once the site is declared safe.

The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in crowded commercial hubs, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in Odisha’s marketplaces.