Puri, Feb 16: A major fire broke out near the Jagannath Temple late on Sunday night after an electricity transformer caught fire along the Shreedanda stretch, our source from the ground informed.

According to locals, flames erupted from the transformer located close to the temple area, triggering panic in the vicinity. The fire reportedly continued for more than an hour, filling the area with thick smoke. As Shreedanda remains dimly lit at night, the blaze initially went unnoticed before spreading across the transformer.

Two fire tenders rushed to the spot after being alerted by locals and managed to bring the fire under control following prolonged efforts. Officials said the transformer was completely gutted in the incident. However, the flames were contained before they could spread to nearby electric wires or adjoining structures.

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Cause Yet to be Ascertained

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Some residents suspected that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Others alleged that unidentified youths might have thrown a lit cigarette or bidi near the transformer, leading to the fire.

Fire services officials launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the incident.

No injuries were reported in the mishap. Authorities said further technical assessment is being carried out to evaluate damage and restore normal power supply in the area.