Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : March 21: The major accident was narrowly averted in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district after a passenger bus caught fire following a tyre burst, leaving all 37 passengers miraculously safe. The incident took place on Saturday near Tarapuram in the Ramabhadrapuram mandal, triggering panic among passengers as flames rapidly engulfed the vehicle.

The private bus, operated by Odisha Travels, was en route from Bhubaneswar to Malkangiri when the rear tyre suddenly burst. The explosion is believed to have sparked a fire, which quickly spread across the bus, reducing it to ashes within a short span of time.

Eyewitness accounts and police reports indicate that the driver acted swiftly and decisively at a critical moment. Upon noticing the fire, he immediately brought the bus to a halt and ensured that all passengers disembarked safely before the flames intensified. His prompt response is being credited with preventing what could have been a major tragedy.

Circle Inspector Srinivas of Bobbili Rural Police Station confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the tyre burst led to the sudden outbreak of fire. Despite the intensity of the blaze, no casualties or injuries were reported, although the bus was completely destroyed.

The has once again raised concerns over vehicle maintenance and passenger safety, particularly in long-distance private bus services. Authorities are expected to conduct further inquiries into the incident to determine whether any lapses contributed to the accident.

While the loss of the vehicle is significant, the safe evacuation of all 37 passengers stands out as a testament to quick thinking and timely action, turning a potentially disastrous situation into a story of survival.