A KSRTC electric bus traveling from Virajpet to Bengaluru caught fire near Bilikere, resulting in the total destruction of the vehicle. Miraculously, all 18 passengers escaped without injury.

  • An electric KSRTC bus caught fire near Bilikere, 20km from Mysuru.
  • All 18 passengers on board were evacuated safely.
  • The fire was triggered by jammed brakes leading to tire combustion.
  • Alternative transport was provided to the stranded passengers.

A major mishap was narrowly averted on Saturday evening when an electric bus operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) caught fire near Bilikere, located approximately 20 km from Mysuru. The incident, which occurred around 5:40 p.m., saw the vehicle being completely engulfed in flames, leaving 18 passengers in a state of panic.

The bus was en route from Virajpet to Bengaluru when the crisis unfolded. According to KSRTC Divisional Controller (Mysuru Rural Division) Veeresh H.T., the driver noticed flames erupting from one of the tires after the brakes suddenly jammed. Demonstrating quick thinking, the driver immediately pulled the vehicle to the roadside, allowing for a swift evacuation.

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Emergency Response and Containment

While the bus crew attempted to combat the initial flames using onboard fire extinguishers, the fire spread rapidly through the vehicle. Fire and emergency services were promptly summoned to the scene. Personnel worked to bring the blaze under control to prevent it from spreading to nearby vegetation or other vehicles on the highway.

Rapid driver intervention is often the single most critical factor in preventing mass casualties during vehicle fires.

The electric bus involved in the accident belonged to the KSRTC Central Division (BCD-4) based in Bengaluru. Following the incident, KSRTC officials ensured that the stranded passengers were not left helpless, providing them with alternative transportation to complete their journey.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as state transport corporations transition to green energy with electric fleets, the technical scrutiny of braking systems and battery thermal management must intensify. Mechanical failures like jammed brakes in heavy electric vehicles pose unique thermal risks that require specialized training for drivers and crew.

Did You Know?: Electric buses are significantly heavier than diesel buses due to their battery packs, which places higher stress on the braking and tire systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Were there any casualties in the incident?
Answer: No, all 18 passengers were evacuated safely without any reported injuries.

Question 2: What caused the fire to start?
Answer: The fire was reportedly triggered by jammed brakes, which caused intense friction and flames to emerge from the tire.