Truck Fire in Cuttack Leaves Driver Critical, Cargo Destroyed

Cuttack, — A devastating fire broke out early Thursday morning in a stationary truck parked at Malgodam, Cuttack, leaving the driver critically injured and destroying a full cargo of pulses.

The truck, which had arrived from Kolkata, was parked overnight when the driver reportedly lit a mosquito coil inside the cabin to ward off insects. Authorities believe the coil may have ignited nearby flammable materials, triggering a blaze that quickly engulfed the vehicle.

Local residents spotted the flames and alerted emergency services. Firefighters from Chauliaganj and Buxi Bazaar stations responded swiftly and battled the fire for hours before bringing it under control.

The driver, who sustained severe burns, was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital. His condition remains critical. The truck’s owner arrived at the scene shortly after being informed, and insurance officials are now assessing the damage.

Fire officials have issued a public advisory urging truckers to avoid using open flames or flammable items inside parked vehicles, citing the incident as a cautionary example.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to confirm the exact cause of the fire.