BMTC Bus Fire: Quick Crew Action Saves 50 Lives

Over 50 passengers narrowly escaped disaster when a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus erupted in flames near the HAL bus stop on Monday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 5:10 AM while the vehicle was operating on the KBS-Kadugodi route.

The fire originated in the engine compartment and rapidly spread throughout the vehicle, completely destroying it within minutes. Quick-thinking bus driver Jayachandra and conductor Chowdappa demonstrated exceptional presence of mind, swiftly evacuating all passengers before the flames could engulf the passenger area.

Heroes in Uniform: Crew’s Swift Response

The bus crew’s immediate action proved crucial in preventing what could have been a tragic incident. Both Jayachandra and Chowdappa ensured every passenger was safely off the bus before alerting emergency services. Their professional response and calm demeanor during the crisis undoubtedly saved lives.

Fire and emergency personnel arrived promptly at the scene and worked to extinguish the blaze. However, despite their efforts, the bus was completely gutted by the time the fire was brought under control. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

Safety Concerns Over BS-VI Fleet

A team led by BMTC’s chief mechanical engineer visited the incident site to investigate the cause. Officials confirmed that the affected vehicle was a BS-VI model, approximately 3-4 years old, from a fleet of 860 similar buses inducted into BMTC operations.

A BMTC official stated that the fire appeared to have started in the engine compartment, raising fresh concerns about vehicle maintenance protocols. The incident has prompted discussions about enhanced safety measures and regular maintenance schedules for the public transport fleet serving India’s IT capital.