36 passengers escape unhurt as Mangaluru bound sleeper bus catches fire near Hassan

36 passengers escape unhurt as Mangaluru bound sleeper bus catches fire near Hassan

Mangalore Today News Network

Hassan, May 16, 2026: Thirty-six passengers had a narrow escape after a private sleeper bus travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru caught fire following a tyre burst near Shanthigrama in Hassan district late Friday night.

According to reports, the fire broke out after one of the tyres burst suddenly, triggering flames that rapidly spread across the vehicle. A passenger who noticed the fire near the wheel immediately alerted the driver, who swiftly stopped the bus by the roadside.

Passengers, many of whom were asleep, rushed out of the bus in panic and escaped safely. Though no injuries were reported, luggage, mobile phones and other valuables were destroyed in the blaze.

Fire and Emergency Services personnel from Hassan and Shanthigrama rushed to the spot with fire tenders and battled the flames for over an hour before bringing the fire under control. By then, the bus had been almost completely gutted.

Stranded passengers were later assisted by Hassan police and transport authorities, who arranged an alternative bus to Bengaluru.

A case has been registered at the Shanthigrama police station, and further investigation is under way.