Tempo Traveller catches fire, narrow escape for Manimahesh pilgrims

A major mishap was averted on Monday evening when a tempo traveller carrying Manimahesh pilgrims caught fire near Banikhet in Dalhousie subdivision.

Police said that the vehicle, coming from Pathankot towards Manimahesh, began emitting thick smoke from its engine. The driver immediately pulled the tempo traveller to the roadside, allowing all 13 pilgrims on board to get down safely.

As the driver tried to inspect the smoke by opening the bonnet, flames suddenly erupted from the engine. Within moments, the fire spread rapidly and gutted the vehicle. Locals, along with the pilgrims and driver, attempted to douse the flames but failed.

The fire brigade from Banikhet was informed and a team of firefighters rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control after considerable effort, but the tempo traveller was completely gutted.

No injuries were reported in the incident