A massive fire tore through the Paradip Vegetable Market late last night, destroying more than 50 shops and causing losses estimated in the crores.
The blaze erupted around 2:00 AM, rapidly engulfing the entire complex. While the exact cause remains unknown, the ferocity of the flames left shopkeepers devastated. Stocks of produce, cash, electrical equipment, bicycles, and motorbikes were completely incinerated before owners could intervene.
Six fire engines rushed to the scene, battling the inferno for hours to prevent further spread to residential clusters. Although the fire has been successfully doused, the local business community is reeling from the catastrophic financial blow. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine if a short circuit or foul play triggered the midnight disaster.