Rourkela, Sept. 16: A fire broke out at the silicon steel mill of Rourkela Steel Plant around midnight, destroying a facility that is crucial for production.

The exact reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, and the plant management has ordered an investigation.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sabha secretary Babaji Sahu said: "This could hamper production for many days and the loss is higher than what seems apparent."

He also hinted at a possible act of sabotage.

The state-owned Rourkela Steel Plant was the first unit to have a silicon steel mill in the country.

The Rourkela Shramik Sangh blamed the lack of maintenance for the mishap.

Sangh president Prasant Behera said: "The fire could have been avoided had there been timely maintenance."

Contradicting Sahu, he said: "Production will resume shortly as the magnitude of damage is not high."

Sources said the damage was limited and there was no threat to production of the special grade steel from here.

A plant official said: "The fire was controlled within one hour. We are now managing our production through an alternative facility in the cold rolling mill."