Bhubaneswar, Apr 22: Panic gripped commuters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday after a moving truck suddenly caught fire on the busy Palasuni Overbridge along National Highway 16, causing a major traffic disruption.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck burst into flames following a loud explosion while in motion. Within moments, the vehicle was engulfed in a blazing inferno, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. Shocked commuters halted in fear as chaos unfolded on the busy stretch.

Officials confirmed that the driver and his helper managed to escape narrowly, sustaining only minor injuries.

Also read: Heatwave Sweeps Odisha as Bhubaneswar Sizzles at 41°C

Fire services were immediately alerted and rushed to the scene. A team of firefighters acted swiftly, bringing the blaze under control before it could spread to nearby vehicles.

For almost two hours, the truck remained ablaze on the highway until the blaze was contained. Their timely intervention prevented what could have been a far more serious disaster.

The incident led to a complete standstill on the overbridge, with long queues of vehicles piling up on both sides. Traffic police worked to divert vehicles and restore movement, but congestion persisted for a considerable period.

According to our source, long tailbacks stretched beyond 10 kilometers, paralyzing movement along the busy highway — Cuttack to Bhubaneswar route.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary reports point to a mechanical fault, possibly aggravated by the intense heatwave conditions, which may have triggered the sudden blaze. However, officials have not ruled out other factors.

The route, constrained by its narrow width, routinely experiences heavy congestion during peak commuting hours, with traffic jams most common in the morning and evening rush.