Midnight horror on NH-48: 30 escape as Bengaluru-Kalaburagi bus goes up in flames

Quick thinking by passengers and timely power shutdown avert a major tragedy after a private bus crashes into an electric pole and catches fire near Nelamangala.

Around 30 passengers had a narrow escape after a private sleeper bus travelling from Bengaluru to Kalaburagi caught fire and was completely destroyed on the Tumkur-Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) near Indiranagar Colony at Hanumanthapura Gate in Nelamangala taluk during the early hours of Friday.

According to police, the incident occurred between 1.30 am and 1.45 am. The bus, bearing registration number KA-01-AS-7740 and operated by Sanjana Travels, reportedly lost control while navigating through a stretch where road construction work was underway. The driver veered onto the footpath, hitting an electric pole installed by BESCOM, following which the vehicle tilted towards the left side.

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Sensing imminent danger, the driver, cleaner and passengers acted swiftly and evacuated the bus. Moments later, the vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread rapidly, engulfing it entirely. The power supply in the area was immediately disrupted, which police said played a crucial role in preventing a major disaster. Power was restored only after all passengers had safely exited.

Passengers sustained only minor injuries caused by the impact with the pole. However, the intensity of the blaze was so severe that the bus was completely gutted within minutes. Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot, deploying a water tanker to bring the fire under control.

Police teams from Thyamagondlu Police Station and Nelamangala Traffic Police reached the location, cleared the damaged vehicle, and regulated traffic on the busy highway.

While relief prevailed over the safe escape, many passengers were left distressed as all their belongings kept in the luggage compartment were destroyed. Several were seen in tears after losing their valuables. Thyamagondlu police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the exact cause of the accident.