Bhubaneswar, May 19: A major fire broke out at the popular Hotel Ruchi near VSS Nagar Square in Bhubaneswar on Thursday after an LPG cylinder reportedly exploded during cooking operations. The incident triggered panic in the area as flames rapidly engulfed the hotel premises.
According to eyewitnesses, both coal and gas stoves were being used in the hotel kitchen. During cooking, a spark from the coal stove allegedly came in contact with a nearby LPG cylinder. Suspected gas leakage or excessive heat is believed to have caused the cylinder to explode, leading to a massive blaze that quickly spread across the hotel.
On being informed, personnel from Sahid Nagar Police Station and PCR teams rushed to the spot and initiated security measures. Locals also assisted police in controlling the crowd. Meanwhile, two firefighting teams from Mancheswar Fire Station reached the scene with fire tenders and launched an intensive operation to douse the flames.
Fire officials said another LPG cylinder was still inside the hotel, prompting firefighters to carry out the operation with extreme caution to prevent further explosions.
The fire caused extensive damage, reducing most of the hotel interiors to ashes. However, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported so far as staff members and customers managed to evacuate the building in time.
Police and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The exact cause of the fire and the total extent of property loss will be determined after the blaze is completely brought under control.
