In a harrowing incident that has shaken Karnataka, passengers aboard a private bus traveling from Bengaluru to Kurnool faced their worst nightmare when the vehicle suddenly erupted in flames during the early hours of Saturday.
Survivors Recall Terrifying Moments
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as smoke began filling the bus around 1:45 AM near Chikkaballapur. "I woke up to people screaming and thick black smoke everywhere," recounted one survivor, his voice still trembling with emotion. "The flames spread so quickly we barely had time to react."
The Desperate Escape
Passengers described how they had to break windows to escape the inferno. "The emergency exits weren't working properly, and people were trampling over each other to get out," shared another survivor receiving treatment at a local hospital. "I saw flames engulf the entire bus within minutes."
Immediate Response and Rescue
Local authorities and fellow motorists rushed to the scene upon noticing the blazing vehicle. Fire tenders from nearby stations were dispatched immediately, but the intensity of the fire made rescue operations challenging.
Critical Questions Raised
The tragedy has raised serious concerns about:
- Safety standards in private bus operations
- Emergency preparedness during night journeys
- Maintenance protocols for inter-state buses
- Adequacy of emergency exits in public transport
Ongoing Investigation
Transport authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit might have triggered the blaze, though official confirmation is still awaited.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vehicle safety standards and emergency preparedness in India's growing inter-state transport network.
