Rambhadrapuram/ Jeypore, Mar 21: A major fire broke out in a private passenger bus travelling from Bhubaneswar to Malkangiri in the early hours of Saturday near Rambhadrapuram, close to the Odisha border, causing panic among passengers.
The incident occurred around 4:00am when the bus reportedly caught fire due to a suspected short circuit. Flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, filling it with thick smoke.
Eyewitnesses said passengers rushed out in panic as the fire spread. Among those on board was Malkangiri MLA Mangu Khila. All 35 passengers, including the legislator, were safely evacuated without injuries. Quick thinking by the driver and alert passengers helped avert a major tragedy.
The bus was completely gutted, reduced to a charred shell. Fire services and local authorities arrived promptly to bring the blaze under control. An alternative bus was later arranged to transport stranded passengers to their destination.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause, with a short circuit suspected. Officials said the final cause will be confirmed after a detailed probe.
