Hassan: Thirty-six passengers narrowly escaped after a private bus caught fire following a tyre burst near Shantigrama on the outskirts of Hassan city early on Saturday. Though the bus was completely gutted, but no casualties were reported as all the passengers got down in time, police said.The incident occurred when the bus heading to Bengaluru from Mangaluru reached Shantigrama. Police suspect overspeeding led to the accident. Thick smoke and flames erupted immediately after the tyre exploded. The driver stopped the bus by the roadside. Sensing danger, passengers rushed out of the vehicle. Moments after the passengers deboarded, the entire bus was engulfed in flames.While all passengers escaped unhurt, many lost mobile phones and valuables as they left their luggage behind in a rush. Their luggage was destroyed in the fire.Fire and emergency services personnel rushed to the spot and doused the fire. The passengers were later sent to Bengaluru in an alternative bus. Shantigrama police have registered a case and are investigating the reason for the fire.
