Bhubaneswar: It was a narrow escape for over 40 passengers, including Odisha MLA Mangu Khilla, after a bus caught fire in the early hours of Saturday in Andhra Pradesh.
As per information, the incident took place near Tarapuram on the hilly Salur Ghati stretch on National Highway-26, connecting Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The private bus was proceeding from Bhubaneswar to
Malkangiri.
Acting swiftly, the driver immediately stopped the vehicle and asked all passengers to get down before the fire spread further. A potential tragedy was averted due to his presence of mind and quick action.
Sources said the passengers included Mangu Khilla, Congress MLA from Chitrakonda in Malkangiri district.
After receiving information, local police and fire service personnel rushed to the site and managed to bring the blaze under control. A government bus was later arranged to transport the stranded passengers to their respective destinations.
Though no injury to anyone was reported, the bus was completely gutted in the fire. The exact cause of the incident remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire.