Puri, Mar 23: Panic gripped the Puri bus stand late last night when a domestic bus was suddenly engulfed in flames.

According to reports, the blaze started in a domestic bus parked at the terminal. Within minutes, flames spread across several sections of the vehicle, reducing much of it to ashes.

On being informed, fire department rushed to the spot and worked tirelessly for hours, spraying water to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to other buses stationed nearby. Their swift response ensured that the fire did not escalate into a larger disaster, given the number of buses lined up at the busy terminal.

While the fire has been successfully extinguished, the exact cause of the incident remains unclear.

Authorities have not ruled out foul play, as preliminary suspicions suggest that the bus may have been deliberately set ablaze. An official investigation has been launched to determine whether the fire was accidental or the result of sabotage.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures at public transport hubs. Local residents and commuters have urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and fire safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.

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Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of foul play, with some speculating that the bus may have been deliberately set on fire. An official investigation has been launched to determine the origin of the incident.

The Puri bus stand, a vital transport hub connecting the city to various parts of Odisha, witnessed significant disruption due to the incident. Investigators are expected to release further details once the inquiry progresses.