Bengaluru: BMTC Bus Catches Fire Near HAL Stop; Alert Crew Evacuates Passengers
Early morning commuters on a busy Bengaluru route had a frightening start to their week, but thankfully, a story that began with panic ended with a collective sigh of relief.
A BMTC bus (KA 57 F 4568) traveling from Kempegowda Bus Station to Kadugodi suddenly caught fire near the HAL bus stop around 5:10 am today. According to officials, the blaze started in the engine compartment and spread rapidly, quickly engulfing the entire vehicle in flames.
The potential for tragedy was high, with an estimated 50 to 60 passengers on board. However, thanks to the swift and calm actions of the bus crew, a major disaster was averted. Driver Jayachandra and conductor Chowdappa immediately initiated an evacuation, ensuring every single passenger was able to get to safety before the fire intensified.
A BMTC bus (KA 57 F 4568) from Depot-51 caught fire near HAL bus stop in #Bengaluru around 5:10 am today. According to @BMTC_BENGALURU all 50–60 passengers were safely evacuated. No injuries reported; bus gutted. Inquiry underway. @THBengaluru @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/agylEEBrIB
— Darshan Devaiah B P (@DarshanDevaiahB) September 15, 2025
Emergency services were quickly alerted, and fire personnel arrived on the scene to battle the blaze. By the time the fire was put out, the bus was completely gutted, leaving behind only a charred shell. Miraculously, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
BMTC officials have confirmed that an inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. The bus was a relatively modern BS-VI model, approximately three to four years old. While the successful evacuation is being hailed, the incident has also raised familiar questions about maintenance and safety protocols within the city’s public transport fleet. For now, however, the focus remains on the fortunate escape of all those on board.
