Hindol, Dec 14:Two men had a narrow escape on Sunday after the scooter they were riding suddenly caught fire while in motion on the Balima–Karanda road in Hindol block of Dhenkanal district.

According to sources, the two riders, who are brothers, were on their way to a nearby hospital when the incident occurred. While travelling along the road, they reportedly noticed smoke coming from the scooter, moments before flames engulfed the vehicle. Reacting swiftly, both men jumped off the scooter and moved to safety, thereby escaping unhurt.

Within minutes, the fire intensified and completely gutted the two-wheeler, leaving it reduced to a charred frame. Passersby gathered at the spot after noticing the blaze, and traffic along the stretch was briefly disrupted due to the incident.

On receiving information, personnel from the Khajuariakata fire service rushed to the scene. Firefighters promptly doused the flames and prevented the fire from spreading to nearby areas or vehicles.