In a disturbing incident, unidentified miscreants allegedly set a passenger bus on fire late Wednesday night in the Tangarapali police station area of Rourkela, triggering concerns over public safety in the steel city.
According to preliminary reports, the attackers first smashed the windows of the bus before pouring flammable material and setting it ablaze. The incident occurred when the vehicle was parked, and no passengers were present at the time, preventing any loss of life.
Fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene and managed to douse the flames, stopping the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles or structures. Officials confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Police Investigation Underway
Local police have launched an investigation into the act of arson. Officers are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning local residents to identify those responsible. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, police said.
A senior police official stated that all angles, including vandalism and personal enmity, are being looked into as part of the probe.
Transport Services Affected
The charred remains of the bus led to temporary disruptions in local transport services, causing inconvenience to commuters in the area. Authorities are working to restore normalcy at the earliest.
The incident has sparked concerns among residents about vandalism and security, with many calling for increased night patrolling and stricter action against those involved in such acts.
Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
