A 108 ambulance was completely gutted in a sudden blaze near Ayatpur in Khordha district late last night, sparking concern over emergency vehicle safety protocols.
The incident occurred while the vehicle was en route, with three crew members onboard.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver noticed smoke emanating from the battery compartment. Despite immediate efforts to douse the flames using onboard fire extinguishers, the fire spread rapidly. The crew evacuated just in time, escaping without injuries.
The ambulance was reduced to ashes within minutes, leaving behind only charred remains. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
This alarming event raises questions about the maintenance and safety standards of emergency response vehicles operating across Odisha.