Chandigarh, June 6: A major mishap was narrowly avoided late Friday evening when a Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) bus caught fire in Manimajra, with around 12 passengers on board. Thanks to the quick thinking of the driver and conductor, all passengers were safely evacuated before the vehicle was consumed by flames.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. as the bus, operating on route number 22 from Sector-43 bus stand to IT Park, was approaching the Manimajra police post. Sparks were seen emerging from the front section of the bus, prompting immediate action by the staff.
“The driver brought the bus to a stop and both he and the conductor helped everyone get out quickly,” said an official familiar with the incident. “Their timely action prevented a potential disaster.”
Soon after the evacuation, the bus was engulfed in flames. Firefighters reached the spot and initiated efforts to control the blaze, but the vehicle was completely gutted. No injuries were reported.
Initial assessments suggest a short circuit may have triggered the fire. Eyewitnesses described the flames as intense, with some saying they saw fire leaping high into the air.
An investigation has been initiated to confirm the exact cause of the fire and assess any safety lapses.
