Puri, Jul 8: A major fire broke out at a scrap warehouse near Mangala Ghat Bridge on the Puri-Brahmagiri Road on Wednesday, reducing the entire structure to ashes and causing significant traffic disruption.

According to reports, the blaze engulfed the scrap warehouse within minutes, completely destroying the stored materials.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the site, triggering panic among commuters.

Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control after intensive efforts.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

The incident severely affected vehicular movement on the busy route, leaving thousands of devotees travelling to the Alarnath Temple stranded for a considerable period. Long queues of motorcycles, cars and other vehicles were witnessed as traffic came to a standstill due to the firefighting operation.

No casualties have been reported in the incident.

Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, while an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire.