A private sleeper bus traveling in Karnataka caught fire early Tuesday morning, leaving the vehicle completely gutted but all passengers safe. The incident occurred near Bengaluru on the National Highway 4, close to the Nelamangala toll plaza, around 3:30 AM.
Incident Details
The bus, operated by a private transport company, was en route from Bengaluru to Hubballi when the driver noticed smoke emanating from the rear section. He immediately pulled over and alerted passengers. Within minutes, flames engulfed the vehicle. Quick action by the driver and staff ensured that all 35 passengers evacuated safely without any injuries.
Emergency Response
Local fire services arrived at the scene within 20 minutes and extinguished the blaze. However, by then, the bus had been reduced to a skeletal frame. Firefighters suspect a short circuit in the engine compartment may have sparked the fire, though a thorough investigation is underway.
Passenger Accounts
Passengers recounted their harrowing experience. One traveler, Ramesh Kumar, said, We were sleeping when the driver shouted. We grabbed our bags and ran out. Within minutes, the whole bus was on fire. Another passenger, Priya Sharma, praised the crew for their swift response. The driver and conductor were very calm and helped everyone get out safely, she said.
Aftermath and Investigation
The bus was completely destroyed, but no casualties were reported. The highway was temporarily closed to traffic, causing a minor slowdown. Authorities have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the fire. The bus company has assured full cooperation with the investigation and announced compensation for affected passengers.
Safety Concerns
This incident has reignited discussions about safety standards in private buses. Transport experts emphasize the need for regular maintenance checks and fire safety equipment on long-distance sleeper coaches. Passengers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious smoke or smell immediately, said a transport official.
The bus was registered in Karnataka and had passed its fitness test earlier this year. The driver has been questioned, and his statement recorded. Police are also checking CCTV footage from the toll plaza to gather more details.
