Bengaluru: A major accident was narrowly averted when a private AC bus traveling from Bengaluru to Raichur suddenly caught fire after a tyre burst on the Bengaluru–Anantapur highway in the early hours of Friday.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m., when passengers noticed a burning smell and alerted the driver. However, the driver allegedly ignored their warnings and continued driving for some distance. Moments later, the rear tyre exploded, engulfing the bus in flames.
Panic Among Passengers
The bus was carrying several passengers, including students returning home for the Deepavali holidays. Witnesses said that the moment the blast occurred, passengers screamed for help and jumped out of the moving vehicle to save their lives.
Fortunately, all passengers managed to escape unhurt, but many lost valuable belongings, documents, and certificates in the fire.
Driver Accused of Negligence
Some passengers have alleged that the driver’s negligence and failure to stop the bus despite warnings could have led to a major tragedy. “We smelled smoke and told him repeatedly to stop, but he ignored us,” said one of the survivors.
The AC bus cabin was filled with smoke, causing several passengers to experience breathing difficulty before they were able to break free.
Fire Brought Under Control
Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames, but the vehicle was completely gutted by the time they arrived. Police officials confirmed that a short circuit or tyre friction may have triggered the fire, and a detailed investigation is underway.
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