BMTC bus catches fire on busy MG Road

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Around 25 passengers had a narrow escape after a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus caught fire at the busy MG Road near Anil Kumble Circle on Tuesday morning.

According to sources, around 8.50 am, the driver noticed smoke followed by flames coming out from the hood of the bus, bearing registration number KA57 F 1232, and immediately alerted all passengers to deboard the vehicle.

Within minutes, the flames spread and gutted the bus. The smoke engulfed the area for some time, before the fire was extinguished by Fire department officials who arrived at 9 am. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

A BMTC spokesperson said that it is so far suspected that there was a short circuit in the engine, but added that the exact cause of fire is yet to be ascertained.

The bus carrying approximately 25 passengers halted on the road near Anil Kumble Circle. As the driver attempted to restart the engine, he noticed smoke emanating from the engine.

After moving the passengers to safety, the driver and conductor initially used on-board fire extinguishers to suppress the fire. After extinguishing the fire, the bus was towed to the depot where mechanical officers are conducting further investigations.

The quality and fitness of local buses has always been a major concern for the public. BMTC ferries a number of commuters in Bengaluru on a daily basis and it has been a lifeline for those who commute to work by public transport.