An ambulance carrying a critically ill snakebite patient caught fire near Pipili, late last night, while en route to Bhubaneswar Medical College for urgent treatment.
The fire, which broke out at approximately 11:15 PM near the Selfie Point in Pipili, sent smoke and flames spewing from the vehicle, causing panic and chaos on the road.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a battery short circuit may have triggered the blaze. However, a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
The medical staff and driver acted quickly to evacuate the patient, ensuring no casualties occurred. The prompt response from firefighters prevented further damage, and the patient was transferred to another ambulance to continue the journey for life-saving treatment.
This incident has raised critical concerns about the safety and maintenance of emergency vehicles in Odisha, especially those used for transporting critically ill patients. Local residents have urged authorities to implement stricter checks and regulations for ambulance safety standards.
