Early Morning Scare on the Way to Gavi
In the early hours of Wednesday, a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus carrying 28 tourists caught fire while travelling through Kottayam district. The vehicle was on a budget tour organised by KSRTC from Malappuram to Gavi in Pathanamthitta district when the incident occurred near Kunnathupuzha, Pazhayidam, close to Manimala.
Smoke Alert Sparks Quick Action
According to reports, passengers noticed smoke emerging from the left rear tyre area and immediately alerted the driver. Acting swiftly, the driver brought the bus to a halt, and all occupants — including women and children — evacuated the vehicle in time. Many passengers also retrieved their luggage before the flames spread further.
Firefighting Teams Arrive Promptly
The Fire and Rescue Services team from the Kanjirappally fire station reached the scene following an alert received shortly before 4 am from the Ponkunnam police station. Around 17 km from the fire station, firefighters found the bus fully engulfed and worked to extinguish the blaze.
Complete Loss of Bus, No Injuries Reported
Despite the bus being completely gutted by the fire — with only the diesel tank, battery and three tyres remaining — no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. Officials confirmed that all were evacuated safely, averting what could have been a major disaster.
Journey Continued With Replacement Bus
After the incident, KSRTC arranged a replacement bus from the Ponkunnam depot, allowing the evacuated passengers to continue their journey to Gavi without further delay. Authorities have yet to announce the exact cause of the fire, and an investigation is likely to follow.
Conclusion: Preparedness Prevents Tragedy
What began as a potentially frightening situation turned into a remarkable example of quick thinking and calm response by passengers and the bus crew. Thanks to early detection of the problem and coordinated action with emergency services, all 28 passengers escaped unharmed, and a major tragedy was avoided on a bustling holiday route.
-by Oustfire
