Fire gutted a BS-VI BMTC bus near HAL, sparking safety concerns over public transport maintenance.
Over 50 passengers narrowly escaped a potential tragedy when a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus caught fire near the HAL bus stop on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 5:10 am on the KBS–Kadugodi route, as commuters began their daily journeys.
According to officials, the fire originated in the engine compartment and quickly engulfed the entire vehicle. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, driver Jayachandra and conductor Chowdappa immediately evacuated all passengers, ensuring no injuries were reported. Their swift action prevented a serious accident and likely saved lives.
Emergency services were alerted promptly by the bus crew, and fire personnel arrived at the scene to control the blaze. Despite their efforts, the bus—a relatively new BS-VI model—was completely destroyed. The BMTC dispatched a team led by the chief mechanical engineer to investigate the cause and inspect the surrounding area.
A BMTC spokesperson confirmed that the bus was approximately three to four years old and had been part of the 860 BS-VI buses inducted into the fleet a few years ago. The spokesperson emphasized that the crew’s quick response ensured passenger safety and highlighted the importance of routine vehicle maintenance. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the upkeep and safety checks of public transport vehicles. Authorities are expected to review protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future. Commuters and officials alike praised the courage and alertness of the bus crew for averting a potentially devastating accident.