Bhubaneswar: A major fire at the barrack of Capital police station here on Sunday morning injured one police personnel and sparked panic among local residents.

Sources said the fire broke out at the drivers' barrack from a short circuit in a ceiling fan around 10am. The fire spread to a gas cylinder nearby, leading it to burst.

According to witnesses, the intensity of the blast was such that the roof of the room was destroyed within minutes. Fire services personnel rushed to the spot, but it took them nearly an hour to bring the fire under control.

Though there was not much damage, furniture and documents kept inside the room were destroyed.

Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police Anup Kumar Sahoo said: "A short circuit in a fan most likely triggered the fire. The fire services personnel are ascertaining the exact cause."

"One person was injured and taken to the hospital. There hasn't been any major loss," said Sahoo.

The injured cop, Satya Prakash Mantri, was admitted to Capital Hospital for first aid.

The fire at the police station, which is surrounded by a number of markets, malls and shopping complexes, sparked fear among people.

"The roof of the room was completely destroyed. The police station is surrounded by markets, which see heavy footfall throughout the day. It could have caused a major accident if the flames were not doused in time," said Pritwi Narayan Jena, a fruit seller near the police station.

Another shopkeeper, Bimal Mishra, said: "Crores of property and valuable lives were at stake."

The station is one of the oldest police establishments here. "It is irresponsible of the authorities not to have periodic checks of their electric installations. If they are not careful, how will they save us from similar mishaps," said social worker Alok Kar.