Massive fire destroys LPG storage unit

Bhubaneswar: A massive fire, triggered by a series of LPG cylinder explosions, created panic in the Ghatikia Square on Saturday, completely gutting a gas storage unit and raising serious concerns over alleged illegal stocking amid the ongoing LPG supply crunch in the state. No fatalities were reported.According to eyewitnesses, the blaze erupted suddenly inside a gas shop located near the busy square. Within minutes, flames spread rapidly across the premises. A number of LPG cylinders reportedly burst in quick succession. “The blasts were so powerful that we felt the ground shake. People started running in all directions,” said Prakash Patra, a local resident who witnessed the incident. The locals later called the fire services.Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and began an intensive firefighting operation. Two additional striking forces were deployed to bring the situation under control. After sustained efforts, the fire was finally doused, but the structure where the cylinders were stored was completely destroyed.Officials said several burning cylinders were hurled metres away due to the force of the explosions, increasing the danger to nearby shops and houses. “The intensity was extremely high. We are assessing how many cylinders were stored and whether proper safety protocols were followed,” a fire services officer said. Officials said that they will probe the cause of the fire, the quantity of cylinders stored, and possible violations of safety norms