A Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus caught fire near Ranebennur in Haveri district on Tuesday, but all passengers on board escaped unhurt. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when the bus was en route from Bengaluru to Hubballi.
Fire Erupts in Engine
The fire reportedly started in the engine compartment of the bus. The driver noticed smoke and immediately pulled over to the side of the road. He alerted the passengers, who evacuated the bus swiftly. Within minutes, the bus was engulfed in flames.
Passengers Evacuated Safely
All 40 passengers, including women and children, were safely evacuated before the fire spread. No injuries were reported. The passengers were later accommodated in another bus to continue their journey.
Firefighters Respond Quickly
Local residents alerted the fire department, and a fire tender rushed to the spot. Firefighters took about 30 minutes to douse the flames. The bus was completely destroyed in the fire, but no casualties occurred.
Cause Under Investigation
KSRTC officials said the exact cause of the fire is under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest a short circuit in the engine may have triggered the blaze. The bus was relatively new and had undergone routine maintenance recently.
KSRTC Assurance
A senior KSRTC official stated that the corporation will conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. He assured that all safety measures are being reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future. The passengers were provided with alternative travel arrangements.
This incident comes amid concerns over bus safety in the state. Last year, several KSRTC buses were involved in minor fires due to electrical faults. The corporation has been advised to conduct regular checks on all buses, especially those plying long-distance routes.
