A major tragedy was averted on Friday when a private bus, ferrying passengers from Bengaluru to Kerala, erupted in flames near Nanjangud in Karnataka's Mysuru district. In a stroke of immense fortune, all 40 individuals on board managed to escape without any injuries.
Timely Evacuation Prevents Casualties
The alarming incident occurred in the afternoon hours. The bus, operated by a private service, was navigating its route when the driver and passengers noticed smoke billowing from the vehicle's rear section. Acting with commendable presence of mind, the driver immediately brought the bus to a halt and initiated an emergency evacuation. All 40 passengers, including the driver and cleaner, disembarked safely before the flames could engulf the vehicle.
Swift Emergency Response
Local authorities were alerted promptly. Personnel from the Nanjangud Town Police and fire emergency services rushed to the spot near the bypass road. Firefighters worked diligently to douse the raging fire and prevent it from spreading. Their efforts eventually brought the blaze under control, but the bus was severely damaged. Preliminary investigations by the police point towards a short circuit as the likely cause of the fire, though a detailed technical examination is pending.
Aftermath and Passenger Welfare
Following the incident, the stranded passengers were provided with necessary assistance. The bus operator made arrangements for an alternative vehicle to continue their journey to Kerala. Police officials have registered a case and are conducting a thorough probe into the exact sequence of events. This incident has once again highlighted critical concerns regarding vehicle safety checks, especially for long-distance transport. The complete absence of injuries is being hailed as a miraculous escape, underscoring the importance of quick thinking during such emergencies.