A total of 37 passengers, including Odisha’s Congress MLA Mangu Khila, narrowly escaped when their bus caught fire after a rear tyre burst early on Saturday while traveling from Bhubaneswar to Nabarangpur, according to police reports.

The incident occurred near Ramabhadrapuram in Andhra Pradesh. Khila informed reporters that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated before the bus was completely consumed by flames.

Police confirmed that there were no injuries among the passengers, including the MLA. The quick action of the driver and the vigilance of the passengers prevented a major disaster. Fire services and local authorities responded promptly to control the fire, although the vehicle could not be saved.