Gajapati, Oct 21: A devastating fire broke out late Monday night at a cashew processing factory in Goshani Block of Gajapati district.

As per reports, the inferno was so devastating that it reduced cashew stock worth approximately ₹1.60 crore to ashes. The blaze, which raged for over 10 hours, left the factory completely gutted and caused serious injuries to two individuals.

The factory owner, BB Jagannath Rao, and his co-worker Jidi Babu Rao sustained severe burn injuries while attempting to control the fire. Both were rushed to a private hospital in Andhra Pradesh and are currently undergoing treatment.

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Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit. The intensity of the blaze was compounded by the presence of large machinery and a significant quantity of cashew stored in the facility, making it extremely difficult for the fire department to bring the flames under control.

Despite relentless efforts by the fire brigade, the fire continued to burn for hours, refusing to subside. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in industrial units, especially those dealing with flammable materials.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire and assessing the full extent of the damage. Local officials have urged factory owners to ensure proper electrical maintenance and install adequate fire prevention systems to avoid such disasters in the future.