108 Ambulance catches fire in Khordha; narrow escape for 3 staff 

A major mishap was narrowly averted on Tuesday after 108 ambulance suddenly caught fire on the Ayatpur-Deogaon road under Nachuni police limits in Khordha district. Fortunately, all three staff members on board escaped unhurt.

According to reports, the driver had noticed a technical fault in the vehicle and immediately stepped out to inspect it. However, before any repairs could be attempted, a short circuit triggered a fire inside the ambulance.

Within moments, the blaze spread rapidly, engulfing the entire vehicle. The fire caused the ambulance’s battery, oxygen cylinders, and AC compressor to explode one after another. The sound of the explosions was so loud that it sent panic among villagers in the vicinity.

Eyewitnesses said flames rose high into the air, and thick smoke was visible from a distance. Locals rushed to the spot but kept a safe distance due to the repeated explosions.

Though fire services personnel reached the scene to douse the flames, the ambulance was completely gutted by the time they arrived. 

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the short circuit that led to the incident. This accident has once again raised concerns over the maintenance and safety standards of emergency vehicles in the state.

“Suddenly, a sound came from the battery chamber, and I found that the fire had broken out under the attendant’s seat. I tried to extinguish the fire but failed. Later, it exploded,” said Rabindra Behera, driver of the ambulance.