Hooghly, 17 July (H.S.): Panic gripped a wedding party on Friday after a bus carrying guests developed heavy smoke following a suspected mechanical failure in West Bengal's Hooghly district. Fortunately, all passengers escaped unharmed.

According to reports, the bus was travelling from Gholdigorui in Khanakul to Anur in Goghat for a wedding ceremony. Near Pachakhali in the Goghat area, a loud noise was heard from the vehicle, after which thick smoke started billowing from the bus, triggering panic among the passengers.

The driver immediately stopped the vehicle, allowing all the wedding guests to get off safely. No injuries or casualties were reported.

On receiving information, the Officer-in-Charge of Goghat Police Station, along with other police personnel, rushed to the spot and began an investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the incident may have been caused by the bursting of the bus's engine oil (mobil) chamber. However, the exact cause will be determined after a detailed technical inspection.

The police said the timely evacuation of passengers helped avert a major mishap. The incident is under investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey