Passengers had a close call on Saturday after an Ama Bus caught fire near Kalinga Studio Square in Bhubaneswar. The incident occurred while the bus was operating en route from Kalinga Studio Square to CRP Square. Commuters noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and quickly evacuated, preventing what could have been a major tragedy. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
The driver attempted to control the fire using onboard extinguishers but was unsuccessful. Fire Services personnel from Tamando and Baramunda swiftly arrived and managed to douse the flames, though the bus was completely gutted by the time the fire was brought under control. Initial findings indicate the blaze was likely caused by a short circuit.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the maintenance and safety standards of public transport vehicles in the capital. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and verify whether safety protocols were followed by the bus operator.
An eyewitness expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the driver abandoned the vehicle before ensuring passenger safety and emphasized the need for proper bus inspections before departure. Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted due to the incident.
