Odisha: A fire broke out at the Jagatsinghpur branch of Punjab National Bank (PNB) located in the Durgapur Bazaar area on Sunday, reportedly due to a short circuit. The blaze caused significant damage to bank property worth lakhs of rupees and destroyed important documents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. Watch video below👇
How the Fire Started
According to sources, a passerby noticed smoke coming from the bank early in the morning and immediately alerted local residents. Upon receiving the information, fire service teams from Jagatsinghpur and Raghunathpur rushed to the scene. To ensure safety, they requested the TPCODL authorities to cut off the power supply to the area.
Challenges Faced by Firefighters
Since no bank officials or security personnel were present at the branch at the time, firefighters sought help from the local police to break open the bank’s shutter. The bank officials were also informed about the incident. It took approximately three hours for the firefighting teams to bring the blaze under control. Kartik Biswal, the Jagatsinghpur fire officer, stated that four fire engines were deployed to extinguish the fire.
Extent of Damage
The fire caused extensive damage to the bank’s infrastructure. All electronic items, including computers, five air conditioners, and the ceiling, were completely gutted. Important documents were also destroyed in the fire. However, the iron chest, which likely contained cash and other valuables, remained intact. Preliminary assessments suggest that the currency notes inside the chest are safe.
Cause of the Fire
Officials suspect that a short circuit was the cause of the fire. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and extent of the damage. Sushant Behera, the branch head of PNB, stated that the bank is currently assessing the total damage caused by the fire.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident as the fire occurred early in the morning when the bank was closed. The quick response from the fire services and local police helped prevent further damage and ensured the safety of the surrounding area.
Next Steps
The bank authorities are working to assess the damage and restore normal operations as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, especially in public and financial institutions.