A major accident was narrowly avoided in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district in the early hours of Wednesday when a private travels bus caught fire on the Kovvur flyover. Quick action by the driver ensured the safety of all passengers and staff on board.
The bus was travelling from Khammam to Visakhapatnam when the incident occurred. Police said a short circuit in the self-motor triggered the fire, causing panic among those inside the vehicle.
Driver Acts Swiftly, Passengers Escape Safely
According to DSP Devakumar and Circle Inspector K. Vishwam, the driver noticed smoke and flames as the bus reached the Kovvur flyover. He immediately stopped the vehicle and asked everyone to get down.
As a result, all six passengers and four staff members exited the bus safely. No injuries were reported. Officials said the driver’s alertness played a crucial role in preventing a major tragedy.
Fire Brigade Brings Blaze Under Control
Soon after receiving information, fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot. Firefighters managed to control the flames before they spread further. However, the fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle.
Authorities later arranged an alternative bus to transport the stranded passengers to their destinations. Traffic on the flyover slowed briefly but returned to normal after officials cleared the area.
Bus Completely Gutted, Loss Estimated at Rs 80 Lakh
Kovvur Fire Officer AVNS Venu confirmed that the bus was completely gutted in the fire. He estimated the financial loss at around Rs 80 lakh. Officials said they are verifying technical details to confirm the exact cause of the short circuit.
Police Launch Probe
Police have registered a case and started an investigation into the incident. They are examining whether poor maintenance or electrical faults led to the fire. Meanwhile, officials urged private transport operators to conduct regular vehicle checks to avoid such incidents.
The timely response by the driver and emergency teams ensured that the incident ended without casualties. The event once again highlights the importance of safety measures and quick decision-making during emergencies.
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