Joda, Oct 16: An iron ore-laden truck was completely gutted in a fire in the Bamebari police station area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district last night.

The driver narrowly escaped after abandoning the vehicle.

According to reports, the truck was carrying iron ore from Kalimati towards Joda when thick smoke suddenly began billowing from the vehicle near Hesabeda Chhak.

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The truck soon caught fire, prompting the driver to stop and get out to save his life.

After receiving information, firefighters rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames. However, the truck had already been completely gutted by the time the fire was brought under control.

A preliminary investigation suggests that a short circuit may have caused the fire. Further details are awaited.