Bhubaneswar, June 26: Panic gripped commuters after a moving car caught fire near Pal Heights Square in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

According to preliminary information, the blaze is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the vehicle's air-conditioner (AC) compressor. The fire spread quickly, prompting passersby to alert the Fire Services. The occupants managed to escape safely by abandoning the vehicle as flames engulfed the car.

Firefighters rushed to the spot and managed to bring the flames under control before the fire could spread further. No injuries or casualties have been reported in the incident.

The fire caused temporary traffic congestion on the busy Jaydev Vihar–Xavier Square stretch as emergency personnel carried out firefighting operations and cleared the affected vehicle from the road.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the incident, while motorists have been advised to remain cautious and ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles to prevent such mishaps.