India, April 9 -- A fire broke out at Urban Co-operative Bank situated at Balagandi Square near Town Police Station in Kendrapara district on Wednesday.

Thick smoke was seen rising from the building. Important documents of the bank kept in a room have been gutted in the inferno, some eyewitnesses expressed. "The room where the fire appeared to have started is known to house significant bank documents," they said.

On being informed, firefighters arrived at the spot but encountered difficulties accessing the inner sections to combat the flames. The fire services personnel doused the flames after striving for nearly an hour.

Initial reports suggest that the blaze might have been caused by a short circuit.

Details of the fire incident are...