Sundaragada: A fire broke out at a Punjab National Bank branch in Odisha's Sundaragada town at around 8 am on Monday, triggering panic among people in the busy area.

The bank is located opposite the Sundaragada Head Post Office. According to preliminary information, several bank documents and other items inside the premises were damaged in the fire.

After being alerted, fire personnel reached the spot and launched an operation to bring the blaze under control. The exact extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained as the bank premises were filled with thick smoke and flames.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. Further details about the cause of the incident and the extent of the loss are awaited.