A government bus traveling from Tiruppur to Tiruchendur suddenly caught fire near Dharapuram. Quick action by the driver saved 52 passengers. The incident caused significant alarm in the area.
Coimbatore: A government bus caught fire unexpectedly near Dharapuram in Tiruppur district late last night, causing a major stir. The incident occurred when the state-run bus, en route from Tiruppur to Tiruchendur, suddenly burst into flames near the steering wheel as it approached the Alangiyam bypass road near Dharapuram bus stand.
The bus driver, Ganesamoorthy (55), acted swiftly and skillfully, managing to steer the vehicle to the side of the bypass road. He immediately alerted all passengers about the fire, enabling all 52 passengers on board to evacuate safely.
Within moments of the passengers' evacuation, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire bus. Dharapuram fire and rescue services personnel rushed to the spot and battled the flames for about 30 minutes before completely extinguishing the fire. However, by then, the bus had been completely gutted.
When arrangements were made for an alternative bus to transport the passengers to Tiruchendur, an argument broke out between passengers and bus staff due to space constraints. Upon learning of this, Dharapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Suresh Kumar, Kangeyam Police Inspector Mayavan, Moolanur Police Inspector Vijaya, and Dharapuram Police Inspector Vijayasarathy arrived at the scene. They pacified the passengers and facilitated their departure on the alternative bus.
Dharapuram police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. The late-night bus fire has caused significant concern among local residents.