Nuapada, Nov 6: A passenger bus traveling from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, to Jeypore, Odisha caught fire early Thursday morning near Salur Pass, triggering panic among passengers. The OSRTC bus (OD10 S 6754), which departed at around 5:00 AM, caught fire around 7:20 AM while ascending the pass.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze was caused by a short circuit in the dashboard. Despite efforts to control the flames using onboard extinguishers and additional supplies from passing vehicles, the fire quickly engulfed the bus. Fortunately, the driver, conductor, and all the passengers onboard managed to escape unharmed.

Fire and police personnel from Salur reached the site promptly and brought the situation under control. Traffic movement resumed shortly after the fire was extinguished.

The bus had recently begun operating independently on the Vizianagaram–Jeypore route.

No casualties were reported, and all passengers, safely evacuated before the vehicle was completely gutted. Quick action and minimal occupancy helped prevent any loss of life.