Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan

Hassan, May 16: Thirty-six passengers had a miraculous escape after a private sleeper bus travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru caught fire following a tyre burst on the national highway near Shanthigrama in Hassan district late on Friday night.

The blaze reportedly began after one of the bus tyres burst suddenly, causing flames to spread rapidly and engulf the vehicle within minutes. Thanks to the alertness of a passenger and the quick response of the driver, all 36 passengers managed to escape unharmed. However, luggage, mobile phones and several valuables were destroyed in the fire.

According to reports, a small sound was first heard from one side of the bus after the tyre caught fire. A passenger, who drew aside the window curtain to check, noticed flames near the wheel and immediately alerted the driver and fellow passengers. Acting swiftly, the driver pulled the bus over to the roadside.

Passengers, many of whom were asleep at the time, woke up in panic and rushed out of the vehicle to safety. Though no casualties were reported, passengers lost their luggage and several expensive belongings in the incident. The timely intervention of the passenger and driver is believed to have averted a major tragedy.

Soon after receiving information, personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services departments in Hassan and Shanthigrama rushed to the spot with fire tenders. Firefighters battled the intense blaze for more than an hour before bringing it completely under control. By the time they arrived, the bus had been almost entirely gutted by the fire.

Passengers stranded on the highway in the middle of the night were later assisted by Hassan police and transport authorities, who arranged an alternative bus to safely transport them to Bengaluru.

A case has been registered at Shanthigrama police station, and investigations are under way.