Bhubaneswar, Jan. 20 -- A massive fire broke out at Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar late on Monday night, reducing more than 40 shops to ashes and causing extensive damage to property. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said.

According to sources, the blaze first erupted at an idol shop located near the Capital Police Station at around 1:45 am. The flames soon spread to a nearby parked scooter and then rapidly engulfed adjoining shops.

The situation worsened after LPG cylinders stored inside some of the shops exploded, further intensifying the fire. The presence of plastic goods in nearby shops also fuelled the blaze, making firefighting operations more challenging.

To control the inferno, as many as 13 fire t...