Bhubaneswar, June 1: A devastating fire broke out at the fish market near Press Chhak in Cuttack late on Sunday night, completely destroying the market and causing extensive damage to a bank branch operating on the upper floor of the same building. The incident has left several traders devastated after losing their shops, cash, and business assets.

According to reports, the fire erupted at around 2 a.m. and spread rapidly through the building. The presence of a paint godown inside the premises reportedly intensified the blaze, making firefighting operations extremely challenging. Nearly 10 fire engines were pressed into service to control the flames, but thick smoke and intense heat hampered rescue and firefighting efforts for several hours.

The fire also engulfed the upper floor housing a branch of the Bank of India. Preliminary reports suggest that important documents, furniture, electronic equipment, and other assets were severely damaged. Several bundles of currency notes kept inside the premises were reportedly reduced to ashes.

Authorities estimate that cash worth nearly ₹50 lakh to ₹60 lakh belonging to fish traders was destroyed in the fire. Around 17 traders are believed to have suffered significant losses as their shops, deep freezers, stocks of fish, and other equipment were completely gutted.

Dense smoke continued to billow from the building even hours after the fire broke out, creating difficulties for emergency teams. The incident has triggered panic among the local business community, with many traders losing their primary source of livelihood.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation is expected to be launched once the situation is fully brought under control.

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