NewKerala.com

17 Escape as Bus Catches Fire in Karnataka; Driver Hailed Hero

A KSRTC 'Pallakki' bus caught fire on the Karnataka highway in Haveri district, reducing it to ashes. All 17 passengers had a narrow escape due to the driver's alertness. Driver Pakkirappa noticed the flames and immediately stopped the vehicle, saving lives. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

Key Points: Karnataka Bus Fire: 17 Escape, Driver Pakkirappa Hailed

  • 17 passengers escape bus fire in Haveri, Karnataka
  • Driver Pakkirappa noticed flames and stopped vehicle
  • Bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Gadag
  • Police registered case and investigating
  • No injuries reported due to driver's quick action
1 min read

Karnataka: 17 passengers escape as bus catches fire in Haveri; driver lauded for alertness

17 passengers escape after a KSRTC bus catches fire on Karnataka highway in Haveri. Driver Pakkirappa's alertness saves lives. Police investigate.

"His timely action and alertness saved the lives of all 17 passengers. - Officials"

Haveri, May 5

As many as 17 passengers had a narrow escape after a Karnataka State transport 'Pallakki' bus caught fire and was reduced to ashes in Haveri district, officials said on Tuesday.

The bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Gadag and the incident took place on the Karantaka highway near Devarudda village in Ranebennur taluk.

According to officials, the fire broke out suddenly while the bus was on the move. The driver, Pakkirappa, noticed the flames and immediately stopped the vehicle. His timely action and alertness saved the lives of all 17 passengers.

The Ranebennur Rural Police visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

A case has been registered at the Ranebennur Rural Police Station, and further investigation is underway.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

N
Neha E
This is why proper training for drivers is so important. Pakkirappa's calmness under pressure saved 17 families from tragedy. But let's also think about the bus's condition—why did it catch fire mid-journey? Regular checks and better safety protocols could prevent such close calls.
V
Vikram M
True heroism doesn't require a cape—just alertness and responsibility. Pakkirappa's quick thinking is commendable. However, I hope the authorities don't just file a case and forget. A thorough investigation into the fire's cause is needed to prevent future incidents on our highways.
P
Priya S
Incredible relief to hear no lives were lost. But this is a wake-up call for KSRTC and all transport operators. Buses shouldn't be 'reduced to ashes' so quickly—maybe we need better fire-resistant materials and emergency exits? Kudos to the driver, but systemic safety upgrades are overdue.
R
Rohit L
Just imagining the panic those passengers must have felt 😰 Thank God the driver saw the flames in time. We often forget to appreciate our bus drivers, who work long hours on tough roads. Pakkirappa sir, you're a real hero! KSRTC should give him a reward and recognition.
S
Siddharth J
A narrow escape indeed. While I applaud the driver's alertness, I'm left wondering about the bus's maintenance schedule. A fire that destroys an entire bus so completely suggests either an electrical fault or fuel leak. Transport departments need to mandatorily inspect all long-haul buses before they leave depots.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50