Odisha MLA Among 40 Passengers Escape Unhurt as Bus Catches Fire in Andhra Pradesh

Koraput: In a major mishap averted, around 40 passengers, including Odisha MLA Mangu Khilla, had a narrow escape after a private bus caught fire in the early hours of Saturday in Andhra Pradesh.

The incident occurred near Tarapuram along the Salur Ghati stretch on National Highway-26, a hilly and sensitive route connecting Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The bus was travelling from Bhubaneswar to Malkangiri.

According to reports, the driver displayed prompt presence of mind by immediately halting the vehicle after noticing the fire and ensuring all passengers safely disembarked before the flames spread further. His swift action is being credited with preventing a potential tragedy.

Police sources said the passengers included Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla of the Congress party. Upon receiving information, local police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control.

Authorities later arranged a government bus to transport the stranded passengers to their respective destinations.

While no injuries were reported in the incident, the private bus was completely gutted in the fire. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation has been initiated.