Bhubaneswar, Apr 22: Bhubaneswar witnessed massive disruption on Wednesday after a truck fire on the Palasuni Overbridge along National Highway 16 triggered a traffic jam stretching nearly 30 kilometres.

The incident sparked panic among commuters when the moving truck suddenly erupted in flames, sending thick smoke into the sky and halting vehicles in shock.

The driver and helper managed to escape with minor injuries, while fire services rushed to the spot and contained the blaze after nearly two hours. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles.

However, the aftermath left the city paralyzed. Vehicles remained stranded for hours, with long queues extending from Bhubaneswar towards Cuttack. Traffic police worked to divert vehicles, but congestion persisted late into the evening.

Also read: Moving Truck Erupts in Flames on Palasuni Overbridge

Speaking to our reporter, several commuters voiced their anger and frustration over the ordeal. “In more than 15 years of traveling this route, I have never witnessed anything like this,” said one man, stranded on his bike and struggling to weave through the gridlock. His exasperation reflected the mood of many stuck in the chaos.

Another commuter pointed out the seriousness of the situation, noting that “multiple ambulances are trapped in the jam, unable to move forward.” The sight of emergency vehicles stranded amid the sea of vehicles only heightened the tension and underscored the severity of the disruption.

“We have been stranded here for hours. It’s exhausting and deeply frustrating,” said a young commuter. “I was supposed to reach my destination by 6 for an important work, but instead I’m stuck in this endless jam.”

The Hanspal to Palasuni stretch frequently chokes with traffic during evening hours, turning the commute into a daily ordeal.