Ama Bus catches fire in Bhubaneswar; narrow escape for passengers

Passengers had a narrow escape after Ama Bus caught fire near Kalinga Studio Square in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The incident occurred while the bus was in operation, triggering panic among commuters.

According to sources, the fire broke out when the bus was on its way from Kalinga Studio Square to CRP Square. Passengers noticed smoke emanating from the bus, following which they immediately got out of the vehicle. Their timely response helped avert a major mishap. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

The driver attempted to douse the flames with the fire extinguishers installed in the bus, but in vain. On being informed about the incident, Fire Services teams from Tamando and Baramunda rushed to the spot and doused the flames. The bus was completely reduced to ashes in the mishap, sources added.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the bus. Soon after the incident, fire services personnel rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.

The incident once again raises concerns over the safety and maintenance of public transport buses in the capital. Authorities have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and to check whether safety norms were being followed.

“The bus caught fire, and soon the driver jumped off the vehicle before fleeing the spot. How will people get off the bus? They should check the bus before it departs from the depot. All the passengers are safe,” said an eyewitness.

Also Read: Ekamra park blooms with colour as annual flower exhibition attracts huge footfall in Bhubaneswar

Due to the incident, traffic movement in the area was briefly affected