All 16 passengers escape unhurt; incident near Bilikere on Mysuru-Hunsur Highway

Mysuru: A Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) electric bus ‘Power Plus’ was completely gutted after it accidentally caught fire near Rangaiahna Koppal close to Bilikere on Mysuru-Hunsur Highway yesterday.

The incident occurred when the bus with 16 passengers was travelling towards Mysuru from Gonikoppa in Kodagu district. On noticing the fire, Ramachandraiah, the bus driver, parked the bus to the roadside and helped the passenger to alight. Both the driver and conductor not only helped the passengers to alight but also managed to get their luggage out of the bus before informing the Fire personnel.

Soon, both the driver and the conductor opened the engine cabin located on the rear side of the bus and attempted to douse the fire. However, by the time the Fire personnel could arrive, the bus was completed gutted as the fire spread faster owing to strong winds.

Later, the Fire personnel, who arrived at the spot, were able to douse the fire.  With the EV bus engulfed in flames and fear of batteries blowing up, the traffic movement on the main road was affected for some time. However, normal traffic resumed after the fire was doused by the Fire personnel.

It is said that the bus caught fire due to overheating due to brake jam. However, the exact reason for the fire will be known only after a thorough technical investigation.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, KSRTC Mysuru Rural Divisional Controller H.T. Veeresh said, “The electric Power Plus bus, belonging to Bengaluru depot, had caught fire owing to brake jam. The driver, with his presence of mind, was able to stop the vehicle to the road side and helped the 16 passengers to alight safely. Fortunately, none of the passengers or the KSRTC staff were injured. The passengers were sent to their respective destinations in another bus.”

On receiving information, Bilikere Inspector T.M. Puneeth, Sub-Inspector Naveen and other staff visited the spot and conducted an inspection along with the KSRTC officials.