Close shave for passengers as bus catches fire

Indore: Passengers had a narrow escape after a bus was completely destroyed in fire near Nevri Phata toll plaza in Dewas on Tuesday.The fire reportedly originated near the diesel tank of the bus travelling from Prayagraj to Surat. Eyewitnesses said, a passerby noticed smoke and flames emanating from the rear of the bus and alerted the driver. But, the driver did not stop the bus. He ran it for approximately 500 metres while passengers inside panicked. Some passengers were asleep at the time and had to be forcibly woken up by others as smoke filled the cabin.Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver reportedly fled the scene. The fire spread rapidly, forcing passengers to break windows and jump to safety. In the ensuing chaos, some persons were injured while jumping or being trampled as commuters rushed toward the exit.Passengers stated that while they successfully evacuated all women and children, they were forced to abandon their belongings to save their lives. Their luggage and personal items were reduced to ashes.Survivors alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. They alleged that the driver was informed about a potential fuel leak from the diesel tank earlier in the journey, but he chose to ignore the warning.Fire tenders arrived at the scene to douse the flames, though the bus was already gutted.SDOP Deepa Mandve confirmed that all passengers were rescued and alternative arrangements were made for their onward journey. "A case has been registered and a probe is underway to determine the exact cause and address the allegations of negligence," Mandve stated.