Bhubaneswar Supermarket Fire: Firefighters Face 18-Hour Battle
Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, a massive fire at a Bhubaneswar supermarket has left firefighters struggling for over 18 hours to control the raging inferno, raising fears of structural collapse and significant damage.
Key Takeaways
Firefighters are battling an ongoing fire for over 18 hours.
Two staff members were rescued from the burning building.
The building lacks adequate exits, complicating firefighting efforts.
Significant structural damage is reported, with cracks appearing in the walls.
Estimated losses from the fire are between Rs 4 to 5 crores.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a crucial incident in Odisha, fire service teams have been battling to contain a devastating fire at a supermarket in the Lingipur locality of Bhubaneswar for over 18 hours.
The inferno erupted late Monday night around 10 PM and rapidly spread across several floors of the four-story structure, housing a significant amount of flammable materials, particularly plastics and rubber.
Upon receiving the emergency call, firefighters arrived promptly and managed to rescue two employees who were trapped inside. They initially tackled the flames using water, followed by foam.
Despite their efforts, the inferno proved challenging to extinguish completely. Fire department officials disclosed to reporters that the building lacks staircases and has only one entry and exit point.
To combat the blaze, over 45 firefighters, 12 fire engines, robot firefighters, and advanced firefighting tools have been deployed. The teams have been utilizing both foam and water to manage the extensive fire.
In the meantime, the extreme heat from the fire has caused sections of the building to develop cracks, raising concerns about a potential collapse of the entire structure.
Local residents and onlookers have been evacuated to ensure their safety as the fire continues to rage. Firefighters anticipate that it may take a considerable amount of time to fully control the situation, given the duration the fire has persisted.
“The mall consists of four floors (Ground + 3). We have successfully extinguished the flames on the ground, first, second, and third floors using foam. However, while trying to manage the fire on the fourth floor, we observed cracks forming in the roof. For safety reasons, we decided against entering that floor and withdrew our personnel. We are now continuing to combat the fire externally through openings in the building's walls,” stated Central Range Fire Officer Trilokya Kumar Babu.
According to Subash Chandra Jagati, the mall's owner, the fire has resulted in losses estimated between Rs 4 to 5 crores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at the supermarket?
The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
How many firefighters are involved in the operation?
Over 45 firefighters, along with 12 fire tenders and advanced equipment, are deployed.
Are residents in the area safe?
Yes, local residents have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
How much damage has the fire caused?
The mall owner estimates losses between Rs 4 to 5 crores.
Is the building at risk of collapsing?
Cracks have developed in the building due to the heat, raising concerns about its stability.
