Private sleeper bus on way to Bengaluru catches fire in Shivamogga district

Mangalore Today News Network

Shivamogga, January 28, 2026: More than 40 passengers had a narrow escape after a private sleeper bus caught fire near Sudur in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district on Tuesday night.

The bus was completely gutted in the blaze, while two drivers sustained minor injuries. All passengers managed to alight from the bus safely.

The sleeper bus, operated by Annapurna Travels of Bengaluru, had departed from Nittur and was heading towards Shivamogga via Nagara, Hosanagara and Ripponpet when the incident occurred in a forested stretch near Arasalu–Sudur.

According to police, smoke began emanating from the bus due to a technical fault, following which the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rammed into a roadside tree. Moments later, the bus caught fire, prompting the immediate evacuation of passengers.

Personnel from the Ripponpet police station rushed to the spot and assisted the passengers. A case has been registered in connection with the incident.