An HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) bus caught fire near Sullah in Kangra district on Friday, causing panic among passengers but ending without any injuries after everyone on board was evacuated in time. The incident destroyed the vehicle, while officials have begun investigating what triggered the blaze.
According to preliminary information, the bus was travelling along its scheduled route when smoke was spotted coming from the vehicle. Realising that something was wrong, the driver immediately pulled over and asked passengers to leave the bus without delay.
Within minutes, flames spread through the vehicle, but all occupants had already reached a safe distance.
Witnesses at the scene said the fire intensified rapidly, sending thick black smoke into the air. Residents nearby rushed to assist the passengers and informed the fire department. Firefighters later reached the spot and brought the blaze under control, although the bus had already sustained extensive damage.
No casualties or injuries were reported, thanks to the prompt response of the driver and transport staff. Their quick action is believed to have prevented a potentially serious accident.
Authorities suspect the fire may have originated from a technical issue, such as an electrical short circuit or a mechanical malfunction. However, the exact cause will only be confirmed after experts complete a detailed inspection of the vehicle.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation and the transport department have initiated an inquiry into the incident. Officials are expected to examine the bus's maintenance records and assess whether any mechanical defects or lapses in servicing contributed to the fire.
🚨HRTC bus catches fire near Sullah in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district pic.twitter.com/z0rP6DY6QI
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The incident has once again highlighted the importance of regular maintenance for public transport vehicles, especially those operating on the challenging roads of Himachal Pradesh. Frequent inspections and timely repairs are considered essential to ensure passenger safety in the state's hilly terrain.
Although the bus was completely damaged in the fire, the safe evacuation of passengers has been widely appreciated. Local authorities have also urged commuters to immediately alert drivers if they notice smoke, unusual smells or any signs of overheating during their journey.
A detailed investigation report is expected in the coming days. Based on its findings, officials may recommend additional safety measures or corrective action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The timely evacuation ensured that what could have turned into a major tragedy ended without loss of life, underscoring the importance of alert drivers, trained transport staff and effective emergency response procedures.
