Nearly 35 passengers had a narrow escape when a Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus caught fire on the move near Navayuga toll in Nelamangala on Monday.
According to the police, the driver’s presence of mind came in handy as he managed to get all the passengers out of the bus in the nick of time. The bus was heading from Nelamangala to Shivajinagar around 8 a.m. Among the passengers were schoolchildren and senior citizens.
The police said the driver noticed thick smoke emanating from the engine when the bus was nearing the toll gate. Sensing trouble, he stopped the bus and helped all passengers get off. By the time they were out, fire engulfed the engine.
Passers-by, along with the staff of the toll gate, tried to douse the fire. They stopped a concrete mixer tanker and used the motor to pump water out of it. Simultaneously, the toll gate staff brought fire extinguishers and pitched in. They were able to put out the fire even before the Fire Department vehicles reached the spot.
The Nelamangala traffic police later towed the bus to the road side to allow traffic movement.
Inquiries revealed that an electrical short circuit led to the fire. “Fortunately, all passengers are safe,” a police official said.
The police also helped the passengers get another bus to continue their journey.
