Balangir: A severe fire broke out in a three-storey market complex at Gandhi Nagar in Odisha's Balangir town early on Friday morning, destroying eight shops and causing property damage estimated to be over Rs 1 crore. The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit.

According to preliminary information, smoke was first noticed coming out of a shop on the ground floor of the market complex at around 5.30 am. Locals immediately informed the Fire Services department about the matter.

Before firefighters could reach the spot, the flames spread rapidly from one shop to another, engulfing a total of eight shops. More than three fire tenders were pressed into service. After sustained efforts, the fire was brought under control.

Among the establishments destroyed were a garage, a furniture shop, a mixer grinder store, a vehicle spare parts shop, an electric vehicle (EV) bike garage and part of a medicine shop. Around 20 vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters and several electric vehicles brought to the garage for repairs, were completely gutted in the fire.

The fire caused extensive damage to goods, vehicles and infrastructure. Preliminary estimates indicate that the total loss could exceed Rs 1 crore. No casualties have been reported. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage while further investigation into the incident is underway.