A car caught fire on the Bhawanipatna–Raipur National Highway near Sindhekela in Bolangir district after a short circuit triggered flames in its engine.
The vehicle, travelling from Sindhekela toward Bhawanipatna, burst into flames near Shundhimunda School under Gandharla Panchayat around 12:30 PM yesterday.
The driver and his wife jumped out of the car moments before the fire engulfed it. Both sustained minor burns but managed to escape serious injury. Witnesses saw the car burning rapidly as thick smoke filled the air.
Sindhekela police reached the spot soon after receiving information. Firefighters from the local fire station arrived and brought the blaze under control after a long effort. The car was completely gutted.
The incident disrupted traffic on National Highway 16 for some time as vehicles lined up on both sides of the road. Police cleared the route after the fire was extinguished.
Station Officer Phuljens Lakra confirmed that no formal complaint was filed regarding the incident. The couple later left the scene after receiving first aid.
