Fire Mishap / 25 Cars Destroyed in Ganjam Service Centre Inferno

Brahmapur, Aug 29: A devastating fire broke out early Saturday morning at the Laxmi Toyota Service Centre located in Auto Nagar, Haladipadar under Rangeilunda block of Ganjam district.

The blaze quickly spread across the premises, filling the entire area with thick smoke and triggering panic among locals.

According to preliminary reports, nearly 25 cars parked inside the service Centre were reduced to ashes. The fire was so intense that the Brahmapur Fire Department deployed 15 fire tenders to the site.

Also read: Odisha Records 10 Snakebite Deaths in Days as Snake Fear Grips Flood-Hit Villages

In a rare move, a firefighting robot was also pressed into service to tackle the flames inside the building, which was difficult to access due to its sensor-controlled structure.

Firefighters explained that the robot played a crucial role in controlling the initial outbreak. “The heat was extremely high, so we first sent the robot inside. It sprayed foam and helped reduce the intensity before our team could enter,” said one fire officer.

Another official added that the glass panels had to be broken with cranes to gain entry, as the doors did not open due to sensor malfunctions.

Senior fire officer B.K. Panda stated that while the blaze has been partially controlled, complete extinguishing will take more time. “The situation was challenging as the building was tightly sealed. Robots helped us gain control, and then our fighters moved in,” he said.

Though the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, officials suspect a short circuit may have triggered the incident. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, but the financial loss is expected to be significant.