Bus carrying over 30 govt employees catches fire in Nava Raipur, all escape unhurt

Raipur: Panic gripped a bus carrying more than 30 government employees when it caught fire while the vehicle was on its way to Mahanadi Bhawan in Nava Raipur on Wednesday. All passengers managed to escape unharmed, though several of them reportedly jumped out of the bus as flames rapidly spread through the vehicle.

The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Rakhi police station and caused alarm among the passengers travelling to the state administrative headquarters.

According to preliminary information, the employees noticed smoke emanating from the moving bus while it was on its way to Mahanadi Bhawan. As the smoke intensified, passengers raised an alarm, following which those inside the bus scrambled to get out.

With the fire spreading quickly, several passengers reportedly jumped out of the vehicle to escape. All occupants managed to evacuate the bus safely and no injuries or casualties were reported.

The bus was subsequently engulfed in flames, while the incident led to panic in the area. The circumstances under which the fire broke out in the moving vehicle are not yet clear.

Police from Rakhi police station were informed about the incident and initiated an inquiry. Officials are examining the circumstances leading to the fire and the exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained.

The incident also raised questions about the condition and safety of the vehicle carrying government employees, though any assessment on whether a mechanical fault or another factor triggered the fire will be made only after the inquiry is completed.

Police and other officials are collecting details about the incident and the vehicle as part of the preliminary investigation.