Koraput: Around 40 passengers, including Odisha’s Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla, had a narrow escape after a private bus caught fire in the early hours of Saturday in Andhra Pradesh.
The incident occurred near Tarapuram along the Salur Ghati stretch on NH-26, a hilly and sensitive route connecting Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The bus was en route from Bhubaneswar to Malkangiri.
Displaying prompt presence of mind, the driver immediately stopped the vehicle and ensured that all passengers safely disembarked before the fire spread further. His swift action is being credited with preventing a potential tragedy.
According to reports from Salur police, the passengers included the MLA of the Congress party. Upon receiving the alert, local police and fire service personnel rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control.
Authorities later arranged a government bus to transport the stranded passengers to their respective destinations.
While no injuries were reported, the private bus was completely gutted. The exact cause of the incident remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the reason behind the fire.