Bhubaneswar: A major tragedy was averted on Saturday morning after a state-run Ama Bus caught fire near Kalinga Studio Square in Bhubaneswar, prompting swift evacuation of passengers and a rapid response from fire services.
The incident occurred at around 6:40 am when smoke was noticed emanating from the bus while it was on its regular service route. Panic briefly gripped commuters; however, the bus staff and police acted quickly to ensure that all passengers were evacuated safely. No injuries or casualties were reported.
Fire service personnel rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control. Despite their prompt action, the bus was completely gutted by the fire. Preliminary assessments indicate that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though the exact cause is yet to be ascertained and remains under investigation.
The Bhubaneswar police assisted in crowd management and ensured smooth evacuation, preventing chaos in the busy area during the morning hours.
The incident has once again brought attention to the maintenance and safety protocols of public transport vehicles operating in the city. Officials are expected to conduct a detailed review of the matter and assess whether additional safety checks or preventive measures are required to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Authorities have assured that necessary steps will be taken following the investigation to enhance passenger safety across the public transport network.
-OdishaAge
