A massive fire triggered by a low-hanging 11 kV electricity wire decimated seven acres of straw piles in Garpada village late Thursday night. The property, belonging to local farmer Akrur Jena, was reduced to ashes within minutes, resulting in an estimated loss of over ₹50,000.
The blaze erupted after sparks from the overhead high-tension line ignited the harvested paddy straw. The fire spread with such ferocity that it consumed the entire stock before the Pipili Fire Brigade could arrive. Firefighters, supported by local residents, eventually brought the inferno under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby settlements.
Following the incident, distraught villagers have blamed the electricity department's negligence regarding wire maintenance. They have formally petitioned the administration for immediate compensation to offset the significant financial blow to the farmer.