The fire broke out suddenly, with smoke rising from the rear of the bus. Acting swiftly, the driver pulled over and initiated a prompt evacuation. “Smoke started rising from the back of the bus, and flames followed shortly after,” recalled one of the passengers. “Thanks to the driver’s quick response, we were all safely evacuated.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene described initial panic as passengers rushed to exit the vehicle, but credited the driver’s decisive actions and the coordination among passengers in ensuring everyone got out unharmed.
Local fire services responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze before it could cause further damage. While initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by a mechanical fault, authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause.
In response to the incident, local officials have emphasized the need for enhanced safety checks on buses, particularly on the heavily traveled Katra-Jammu route. “We are reviewing our safety procedures and ensuring that all buses undergo regular inspections to prevent such incidents in the future,” said a local official.
