A devastating fire broke out at a vegetable market in the Badapadia area of Paradip late Saturday night, destroying nearly 50 shops and causing massive financial losses to vendors.
The blaze reportedly started between 1 am and 1:30 am and spread rapidly across the market, engulfing shops before most traders could respond. By the time emergency services were alerted and arrived at the scene, much of the market had already been reduced to ashes.
Firefighting teams from Kujang were the first to respond, followed by additional fire tenders from Paradip Port, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, AMNS, and PPL industrial units. After hours of effort, firefighters managed to control the flames and prevent further spread.
Vegetables, cash, account books, important documents, and several motorbikes were completely destroyed in the fire. Preliminary estimates put the losses at around ₹1.5 crore, severely affecting the livelihoods of local vendors.
Authorities suspect the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit or incense left burning inside a shop, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Meanwhile, affected shopkeepers have demanded a planned vending zone and improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
