Puri/UNI: A major fire has engulfed the whole Laxmi Market Complex since Wednesday night in this pilgrim city in which several shops and business establishments were completely gutted.

At least 12 fire tenders are pressed into service to douse the blaze but the situation is yet to be brought under control even after 12 hours have passed since the fire was reported in the market complex.

Panic gripped the city and the entire Grand road leading to the 12th century Sri Jagannath temple was covered with smoke billowing from the market complex.

Official sources said the fire which was initially reported on the ground floor has spread to the first and second floor of the market complex.

At least four fire service personnel were injured and admitted to the hospital while trying to extinguish the blaze.

The authority has deployed the ODRAF teams in the rescue operation and several tourists staying in a nearby hotel close to the market complex have been rescued.

Although the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, the fire services personnel suspected that the fire might be caused due to an electrical short circuit.

Several shops were closed when the fire was reported in the market complex due to the Holi festival on Wednesday.

The fire brigade personnel had a tough time controlling the blaze as they were finding it difficult to enter the market complex due to space problems. There has been no space between the shops housed inside the market complex.

Official sources said advanced rescue tenders have been sent from Bhubaneswar and senior expert fire personnel were also engaged in the operation.

The district administration has barricaded the area and diverted the people visiting the Jagannath temple to use another route to reach the temple.

Narrow passage and closure of shops in the market complex have become a challenge for the Fire Services personnel.

Fire Services DG Santosh Upadhyay said all efforts are being made to douse the flame at the earliest.