36 Passengers Escape Unhurt After Sleeper Bus Catches Fire Near Hassan
A private sleeper bus travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru was completely destroyed in a late night fire near Shantigrama, but all passengers escaped safely.
A major tragedy was narrowly avoided after a private sleeper bus travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru caught fire on the National Highway near Shantigrama in Hassan district late Friday night.
According to reports, all 36 passengers on board managed to escape safely before the fire spread through the vehicle. However, the passengers lost their luggage, mobile phones and important documents as the bus was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Officials said the incident began after one of the bus tyres reportedly burst while the vehicle was moving on the highway. Soon after, flames started rising rapidly from the lower side of the bus.
A passenger who noticed the fire after opening the window curtain immediately alerted the driver and other passengers. The driver acted quickly and stopped the bus on the roadside.
Most passengers were asleep at the time of the incident and rushed out in panic after being warned about the fire. Witnesses said the alertness of the passenger and the prompt response by the driver helped prevent a serious disaster.
After receiving information about the incident, fire and emergency service teams from Hassan and Shantigrama reached the spot and launched firefighting operations. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly an hour before bringing the fire under control, but the bus had already been reduced to ashes.
Police and transport officials later arranged an alternative bus to help the stranded passengers continue their journey to Bengaluru.
The Shantigrama police have registered a case and started an investigation into the incident.