Bhubaneswar, April 14 -- A major disaster was narrowly avoided when a car suddenly caught fire while travelling on the Bhawanipatna-Khariar State Highway near Sundhimunda village in Bolangir district,Odisha on Tuesday. The vehicle was completely gutted in the blaze, but fortunately, the couple travelling inside managed to escape unhurt.

The incident occurred near Sundhimunda School, within the jurisdiction of Sindhekela Police Station, as the car was making its way from Bhawanipatna towards Khariar. The fire broke out without any warning, catching the occupants off guard. Both the driver and his wife quickly exited the vehicle and moved to a safe distance, avoiding what could have been a major tragedy.

As thick smoke and flames engulfed...