AP-Odisha bus catches fire in Visakhapatnam, passengers safe
The incident happened near Roddavalasa village in Pachipenta Mandal at around 7:45 a.m., as the bus traveling from Visakhapatnam to Jeypore caught fire unexpectedly.
AP-Odisha Bus Catches Fire in Visakhapatnam, Passengers Escape Unhurt
Hyderabad: A bus travelling on the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha route caught fire on Thursday, November 6, in Visakhapatnam, but fortunately, all passengers escaped without injuries. The accident occurred near Roddavalasa village in Pachipenta Mandal at around 7:45 a.m., as the bus was en route from Visakhapatnam to Jeypore. Quick thinking by the driver ensured that everyone onboard was able to deboard safely before the blaze escalated.
According to ASP Surana, the driver reported that a spark in the engine likely caused the fire, possibly due to a short circuit, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. Upon checking the engine, the driver noticed sparks and immediately alerted the passengers. Thanks to his prompt action, everyone quickly evacuated the vehicle without harm.
Fire tenders were dispatched to the scene and brought the fire under control shortly after the incident. Authorities have launched a technical inspection to determine the precise cause of the fire and assess any mechanical faults that may have contributed to the accident.
Eyewitnesses praised the driver for his calm and decisive action, noting that his alertness likely prevented a serious tragedy. “It was frightening, but everyone stayed calm, and we were able to escape without injury.”
This incident comes just days after another tragic bus accident in Telangana. On Tuesday, November 4, the Telangana State Human Rights Commission took suo-motu cognisance of the bus accident in Chevella, which claimed the lives of 19 people. The commission has demanded a detailed report from the concerned authorities and is investigating safety lapses to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Andhra Pradesh-Odisha route is known for its hilly terrain, particularly in sections like Sunki Ghat, where vehicles have to navigate steep slopes and sharp curves. Safety officials emphasize the importance of vehicle maintenance, especially for buses travelling through such challenging routes, and encourage drivers to remain vigilant at all times.
Local police and transport authorities have reiterated the importance of regular vehicle inspections, especially for long-distance passenger buses. In addition to engine checks, officials recommend periodic safety drills for drivers and staff to handle emergencies such as fires, accidents, or mechanical failures.
Passengers, meanwhile, expressed relief that no one was hurt. Many praised the emergency response teams for their swift action. The fire tenders arrived quickly and ensured the situation was under control,” said another passenger.
Authorities have assured the public that all safety protocols will be reviewed and reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future. The technical inspection of the bus and the surrounding area is ongoing, and a full report is expected to provide clarity on the cause of the fire.
While the fire was undoubtedly alarming, the quick evacuation, timely alert by the driver, and immediate response by fire services ensured that the accident ended without casualties. Officials urge passengers to remain aware of safety procedures during travel and to follow crew instructions carefully in case of emergencies.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards faced by long-distance buses in hilly and high-traffic regions. Authorities continue to stress the importance of vehicle maintenance, safety equipment, and emergency preparedness as essential measures to protect passengers on India’s busy roadways.