KSRTC bus catches fire in Ranebennur; passengers unhurt

Mangalore Today News Network

Ranebennur, May 6, 2026: A KSRTC Pallakki (non-AC sleeper) bus bound for Gadag was completely gutted after it caught fire near Devaragudda in Ranebennur late Monday night. All 17 passengers on board escaped safely without injuries.

The bus had departed from Bengaluru and was travelling along the national highway between Devaragudda and Guttal when a passenger heard an unusual noise from one of the tyres while the brakes were applied. The passenger alerted the driver, Fakirappa.

Acting swiftly, the driver pulled the bus over to the roadside. On stepping out, he noticed smoke rising from the rear section. He immediately opened the emergency exit and broke the windows to evacuate passengers. Within minutes of everyone getting off, the bus was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes.

A case has been registered at the Ranebennur Rural Police Station. Preliminary investigations point to a fault in the brake liner as the likely cause of the fire. Statements from the driver and passengers have been recorded, and technical experts will be consulted to determine the exact cause.

Haveri Superintendent of Police Yashoda Vantagodi and Deputy SP J Lokesh visited the spot and assessed the damage.