Mysuru:  School students, who were travelling in a van, had a providential escape last evening as their vehicle caught fire. However, all the students escaped unhurt though the damage to the vehicle was severe due to the intensity of fire.

The incident occurred in Bannimantap near Srinivasa Talkies. The Maruti Omni van (KA-20-M-8961) was carrying children from Huda Public School. As the vehicle neared Srinivasa Talkies, Sameer Khan and Isral who were coming from the opposite side observed smoke emanating from the front side of the vehicle.

Immediately they stopped their vehicle and alerted Samiulla, the van driver who was unaware of the smoke and fire. He stopped the vehicle and with the help of Sameer Khan and Isral and passers-by evacuated the terrified children from the van.

No sooner did the children were evacuated than the van burst into flames and the front portion of the vehicle, including the seats were caught in the fire. As the fuel tank was leaking, fire quickly spread to the bottom of the vehicle.

Passers-by poured water and controlled the fire from fully engulfing the vehicle.

Later, the students were transported by another vehicle to their homes at Mandi Mohalla, Ghousianagar and Five Lights Circle.