Tyre Burst Sparks Midnight Blaze in ‘Nilakantheswar’ Bus; All 37 Passengers Safe

Koraput | March 21, 2026 - A potentially tragic incident was narrowly avoided in the early hours of Saturday after a private bus, Nilakantheswar, traveling from Bhubaneswar to Malkangiri caught fire near Ramabhadrapuram following a tyre puncture and collision. All 37 passengers on board escaped safely, though the bus was completely destroyed in the fire.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 3 AM when the rear tyre of the moving bus suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control and collide while attempting to manage the vehicle. Soon after, flames erupted from the rear portion and rapidly spread across the bus. Demonstrating presence of mind, the driver immediately steered the vehicle to the roadside and ensured that all passengers safely disembarked.

Eyewitnesses said that panic spread among passengers as thick smoke filled the bus, but the swift action of the driver and staff prevented any casualties. Within minutes, the fire intensified and engulfed the entire vehicle. Despite efforts by locals and the subsequent arrival of fire personnel, the bus was completely gutted before the fire team could bring the situation under control.

Sources confirmed that the MLA of Chitrakonda was also among the passengers traveling in the bus and escaped unharmed.

To ensure passengers reached their destinations, another bus was arranged promptly, and all passengers were safely transported onward. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh police reached the spot, cleared the highway to restore traffic movement, and initiated an inquiry into the incident.

The mishap has once again highlighted concerns over vehicle maintenance and safety standards in long-distance private bus operations.