Hyderabad, 24 September (H.S.): A private travel bus carrying 38 pilgrims from Hyderabad to Srisailam caught fire near Manda Mallamma X Road in the early hours of Thursday under Meerpet police station limits. All passengers escaped safely and no casualties were reported.

The bus, operated by Sri Lakshmi Narayana Tours & Travels, was part of a three-bus convoy carrying around 150 devotees to Srisailam. Two buses had stopped for refuelling at a nearby petrol bunk at around 2 am when flames suddenly erupted from the right side of the engine of the third bus, which was parked on the main road.

The driver reportedly noticed the flames and alerted the passengers, following which all 38 occupants evacuated the bus before the fire spread.

Fire safety officials received information about the incident at around 2:15 am and rushed to the spot. Fire personnel brought the blaze under control.

Officials suspect that an electrical short circuit in the engine may have caused the fire. Visuals from the spot showed flames and thick smoke coming from the bus.

Further details regarding the extent of damage to the vehicle were awaited.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar