How Did a Sleeper Bus Catch Fire After a Collision in Bikaner?
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Key Takeaways
Bikaner, Jan 28 (NationPress) A sleeper bus carrying passengers was engulfed in flames following a collision in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district early on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. in the Shri Dungargarh area when the bus, which was en route from Jaipur to Bikaner, collided with a stationary trailer, resulting in a fire.
Both the bus and the passengers' possessions were entirely consumed by the flames.
Fortunately, all passengers were evacuated safely, preventing what could have resulted in a significant disaster.
A swift response from a police team and fire brigade personnel allowed them to control the blaze after considerable effort.
The bus driver suffered injuries in the incident and was taken to Bikaner after receiving initial medical attention.
Reports indicate that a truck ahead on the National Highway collided with a trailer, causing the fodder-loaded trailer to stop abruptly in the roadway.
Shortly thereafter, the sleeper bus, approaching from behind, crashed into the immobile trailer. The impact was so intense that the front of the bus ignited almost instantly, with flames spreading rapidly, creating panic among passengers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus's automatic locking system activated upon the fire's outbreak, trapping passengers inside. However, bystanders managed to open the emergency exit at the back of the bus, facilitating the safe escape of everyone on board. Locals remarked that a serious calamity could have ensued had the bus lacked an emergency exit.
In the aftermath of the accident, traffic on the national highway was halted for nearly two hours.
Multiple fire engines were deployed upon receiving reports of the fire, which was eventually brought under control after significant efforts.
The sleeper bus, the trailer laden with fodder, and all passengers' belongings were completely destroyed in the inferno.