Phulbani: Passengers of a bus had a close shave as the vehicle caught fire on NH-59 at Daringbadi Chhak under Baliguda police limits in Odisha's Kandhamal district, today.

According to reports, the ill-fated private bus 'Rudrakali' carrying over 30 passengers was heading towards Bhanjanagr from M Rampur when fire broke out inside the vehicle due to electrical short circuit.

However, a major mishap got averted as all the occupants of the bus alighted being unhurt.

On being informed, Fire Service personnel rushed to the spot and doused the flames.