In a remarkable display of presence of mind, a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver prevented a major disaster by safely evacuating all passengers from his burning vehicle in the early hours of Friday near Mysuru. The incident, which occurred near Hosahalli Gate approximately 30 kilometers from Mysuru city, could have ended in tragedy had it not been for the driver's swift action.
Midnight Emergency on Bengaluru-Kozhikode Route
The bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Kozhikode via Mysuru when the fire broke out. Many of the passengers were fast asleep at the time. The alert driver noticed the fire and immediately brought the bus to a halt, ensuring every single person on board got out safely before the flames could spread.
Challenges in Emergency Response
Nanjangud taluk fire officer Cheluvaraju V provided a detailed account of the response. The fire station received a distress call at 2:14 am on Friday. Cheluvaraju revealed that the caller, a passenger unfamiliar with the local Kannada language, struggled to convey the exact location of the blazing bus. "There were no passersby at the time. By the time we located the spot and arrived, the bus was almost gutted," he stated. Firefighters found that half of the bus was already engulfed in flames upon their arrival.
Approximately two dozen passengers were on board during the incident, according to additional superintendent of police C Mallik. Miraculously, all passengers escaped without any injuries. The Nanjangud Rural police have registered a case regarding the fire.
Cause and Aftermath
Preliminary investigations point towards a technical fault. The fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in the bus's battery. Following the traumatic event, the KSRTC authorities promptly arranged an alternative bus to continue the journey for the stranded passengers, ensuring they reached their destination.
This incident highlights the critical importance of driver vigilance and swift emergency protocols in public transport. The driver's quick thinking in the dead of night turned a potential catastrophe into a story of a close shave and collective safety.
