Thiruvananthapuram,19 Dec (H.S.):A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Swift bus travelling from Bengaluru to Kozhikode was completely destroyed after it caught fire near Nanjangud in Mysuru district early on Friday.

The incident occurred around 2 am when flames were first noticed in the front portion of the bus. According to preliminary inputs, the driver and conductor acted swiftly, bringing the vehicle to a halt and safely evacuating all passengers. As a result, no injuries were reported.

There were more than 40 passengers onboard at the time of the accident. Motorists travelling behind the bus spotted smoke billowing from the vehicle and alerted the crew, helping avert a major tragedy.

Despite the timely evacuation, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the entire bus, reducing it to ashes within minutes. Firefighting teams later reached the spot and brought the blaze under control.

Officials are yet to determine the exact cause of the fire. A technical malfunction is suspected, though a detailed investigation has been launched.

Passengers were later accommodated in alternative transport to continue their journey to Kozhikode.

Authorities have also assured a thorough inspection of KSRTC Swift buses to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman