Haveri : A KSRTC bus was completely gutted in a fire near Devaragudda in Ranebennur taluk in the early hours of Tuesday. All passengers escaped unhurt, owing to the timely action of the driver.
According to initial reports, the Pallakki class bus of KSRTC was on its way from Bengaluru to Gadag when the incident occurred shortly after it left Ranebennur. The driver is said to have sensed something unusual near the tire and immediately brought the vehicle to a halt, asking passengers to alight as a precaution. Within minutes, flames were noticed and quickly spread, engulfing the bus. The fire intensified rapidly, leaving little chance to save the vehicle.
Fire and emergency services personnel rushed to the spot after being alerted and managed to bring the blaze under control. However, by then, the bus had been completely destroyed. About 17 passengers were travelling in the bus, and all of them got down safely.
