Shimla/Palampur, July 17
A panic gripped passengers after a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus caught fire in Kangra district on Friday, reducing the vehicle to ashes within minutes.
According to preliminary information, the bus belonging to the Palampur depot was on its way from Saroot to Palampur when flames suddenly erupted, reportedly due to a suspected short circuit. The fire spread rapidly, forcing passengers to evacuate the bus in time.
Eyewitnesses said chaos broke out as thick smoke and flames engulfed the vehicle. The driver and conductor acted swiftly, ensuring all passengers got off safely before the fire intensified.
The fire brigade rushed to the spot after receiving information, but by the time firefighters arrived, the bus had been completely gutted.
No casualties or injuries have been reported in the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, though a short circuit is suspected to have triggered the blaze.
The incident disrupted traffic on the route for some time before normal movement was restored. Officials are assessing the extent of the damage.
