Cuttack: Drive of a truck, loaded with pulses, was severely injured after the vehicle caught fire while parked at Malgodown in Odisha’s Cuttack city in the early hours of Thursday.
According to sources, the incident took place at around 4 am. The driver, asleep in the cabin, sustained serious burns and was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigation suggests that a mosquito coil, lit by the driver to repel mosquitoes, might have triggered the fire.
On being informed, fire brigade teams from Chauliaganj and Buxi Bazaar rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames. The incident sparked panic among local residents and traders. The truck owner also arrived at the scene upon hearing of the incident.
Meanwhile, police have begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.