Khariar, Dec 5: As many as 25 passengers onboard an Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) bus had a narrow escape after the vehicle they were travelling in caught fire on Khariar Road in Nuapada district.

The incident took place while the bus was en route to Bargarh on the Padampur-Bijepur route, with just 7 kilometers remaining to reach Bijepur. It occurred suddenly when smoke began billowing from the bus.

The bus driver immediately stopped the bus and instructed passengers to evacuate the vehicle. Upon seeing the smoke, passengers became fearful and quickly grabbed their belongings, hastily disembarking from the bus.

As the situation escalated, the bus began to catch fire. Reports indicate that there were over 25 passengers on board at the time of the incident. Fortunately, all passengers were able to depart the bus safely with minimal injuries.

Firefighters reached immediately at the scene and were able to control the fire. Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident.