In a dramatic early morning incident near Shri Dungargarh, Bikaner, approximately 40 passengers had a narrow escape when their sleeper bus caught fire following a collision with a truck on Wednesday. The accident occurred around 5:15 AM, shortly after the bus had crossed the town limits, bringing traffic on the highway to a complete standstill.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Fire
The bus was en route from Agra to Bikaner when it collided with a fodder-laden truck that had stopped on the highway. According to police officials, the truck had been involved in an earlier collision and was stationary when the bus hit it. The impact caused the fodder to ignite, rapidly spreading flames to the bus. Authorities suspect that a short circuit following the collision may have contributed to the fire erupting so quickly after the impact.
Successful Evacuation Amidst Chaos
Head constable Balveer Singh of the Shri Dungargarh police station confirmed that all passengers were evacuated safely through the bus's emergency exits and the main door. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in the incident. An official highlighted that the emergency doors played a crucial role in rescuing both passengers and crew members, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
Immediate Response and Traffic Disruption
Following the accident, traffic came to a halt as emergency services rushed to the scene. Police teams from nearby stations were deployed to manage the situation and assist in resuming vehicular movement. The highway remained closed for nearly two hours while fire tenders worked to douse the flames. During this time, the bus and all passengers' belongings were completely burnt, as confirmed by police reports.
Aftermath and Investigation Status
Police stated that no formal complaints have been lodged in connection with the case so far. The incident underscores the importance of highway safety and the effectiveness of emergency protocols in vehicles. The quick response from authorities and the functionality of the bus's safety features were key factors in ensuring everyone's safety.
