Ahmedabad: An AMTS bus caught fire near Paldi-Mahalaxmi Crossroads early on Friday morning. Smoke suddenly began billowing from the engine while the vehicle was picking up passengers at the Jain Merchant bus stand.The bus, operating on Route 35 from Lal Darwaza to Bavla, halted at the bus stop. The conductor and driver acted swiftly and asked all passengers to get off the bus. Within minutes, flames erupted from the engine area. The driver immediately switched off the ignition and the main power switch, while attempts were made to control the fire using fire extinguishers on the bus. Extinguishers from other buses were also used. A fire brigade team managed to bring the blaze under control before it could spread further. Officials said the engine compartment, the bus ceiling, and the front portion were damaged, with four seats at the front gutted. No casualties or injuries were reported as passengers were told to disembark in time. Authorities said the exact cause of the fire was to be ascertained.
