Cuttack, May 15: Panic gripped the Gangamandir area of Cuttack city  as a massive fire broke out on the ground floor of Meheta House. The blaze was so intense that residents of the surrounding area were thrown into fear.

Some people were trapped inside the house during the fire. However, the fire brigade reached the spot promptly and began rescue operations. Fortunately, all residents were safely evacuated, and no casualties have been reported so far.

Firefighters are continuing efforts to bring the flames under control. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, though initial reports suggest it could have been triggered by a short circuit. Furniture and other items on the ground floor were reportedly destroyed in the blaze.

The local police have also reached the site to control the crowd and have started an investigation into the incident.