A massive fire swept through the fruit market in Balangir city on Monday, gutting more than 50 shops and causing an estimated loss of ₹1 crore in fruits and property.
According to reports, the inferno originated from a nearby garbage dump and spread rapidly due to the presence of plastic crates, light wooden frames, and bamboo mats used by vendors. Shopkeepers narrowly escaped as the entire market was engulfed in minutes.
Two fire engines reached the scene and attempted to control the blaze, but the extensive damage could not be prevented. The incident has resulted in devastating losses for the local fruit sellers.