Close shave for passengers as tourist bus catches fire

Tribune News Service
Panchkula, June 14

Passengers of a tourist bus parked at the Yadavindra Gardens had a miraculous escape when their vehicle caught fire in the afternoon today. However, no loss of life and property was reported in the incident.

According to information the bus driver halted vehicle in the parking area of Pinjore Gardens and went to pay parking charges while passengers were still on board. Meanwhile, the rear side engine of the bus caught fire, which slowly engulfed the whole vehicle.

However, the bus driver showing alertness rushed towards the bus and opened the front door. He also smashed glass on the emergency exit of the bus. Passengers immediately alighted from the bus along with their baggage and managed to save their lives.

Giving information, Rahul, tour manager of Veena World, a travel company from Delhi, said, “We had come from Delhi and were going to Shimla. There were 25 people from Pune (Maharashtra), including 12 men and 12 women, including a child in the bus.”

The bus driver, Raghuvir Singh, said, “I brought passengers to Pinjore Gardens after they had lunch at a hotel. While passing through Pinjore bazaar, I noticed smoke coming out from rear of the bus.”

The passersby immediately informed the police and the fire station. The police immediately reached the spot, but fire tender reached the site after 30 minutes to douse the flames. Deepak, a passenger, said, “We left Delhi at 5 am to visit Shimla and Manali. It was an eight-day tour. The bus caught fire as there was leakage of oil from the tank.”

Meanwhile, passengers boarded another bus for their onward journey.