Bhubaneswar, Oct. 15 -- A massive fire broke out at a four-storey commercial establishment named Banaja Store near Cinema Square under Balasore Town Police Station limits in the early hours of Wednesday, causing extensive damage to property worth crores of rupees.

According to preliminary reports, the fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit. The blaze spread rapidly, reportedly fueled by firecrackers stored on the upper floor of the building. Within minutes, thick smoke and flames engulfed the entire structure, triggering panic among nearby shop owners and residents.

Firefighters from Balasore rushed to the scene soon after receiving the alert. Several fire tenders were pressed into service, and the team ba...