As bus catches fire, duo evacuate all 17 passengers

Shivamogga: A major disaster was averted on Saturday morning at Hulikal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk, near Mastikatte along Shivamogga-Udupi border, when a private bus caught fire. It was reduced to ashes.

The incident occurred on a private bus, which was operating as a connecting bus for the convenience of commuters following recent road damage and landslides at Hulikal Ghat, police said.

Shortly after departing from Hulikal towards Udupi, the bus experienced sudden electrical short circuit that triggered the blaze. Demonstrating immense presence of mind, the driver and the conductor noticed the short circuit and immediately stopped the vehicle. They managed to swiftly evacuate all 17 passengers on board before the flames could spread.

Within moments, the fire intensified rapidly engulfing the entire vehicle, completely gutting it as onlookers watched in shock. The incident caused a temporary disruption in vehicular movement and led to traffic congestion along the busy Hulikal Ghat road.

On receiving the information, Shivamogga police rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection and took measures to clear the highway and restore regular traffic flow.