Puri shopping complex fire under control, over 140 people rescued
The devastating blaze that broke out at a market complex near the Shree Jagannath Temple here was brought under control in a 24-hour-long fire-fighting operation on Thursday, while about 140 people were rescued, official sources said.
The fire gutted almost all the 43 shops, a bank and a hotel that the Laxmi Market Complex consisted of. However, there was no casualty.
The fire is now under control though smoke was billowing from certain parts of the market complex, said DG, Fire Service, S K Upadhyaya, who visited the site earlier in the day.
Three fire department personnel and three tourists were hospitalised due to exposure to flame and smoke, an officer said.
It was a tough job for the firefighters as there was only one exit and entry point to the three-storied building.
Garments, toys and leather products kept in shops functioned as fuel to the fire and that took a long time to douse the blaze, the officer said.
Besides 12 fire tenders, 90 fire service personnel, local police