Assam: Narrow escape for 40 as bus en-route to Sadbhavana Sammelan catches fire in Kaliabor

A major tragedy was narrowly averted in Assam’s Kaliabor on Wednesday, January 7 after a passenger bus caught fire mid-journey, forcing nearly 40 passengers to flee in panic moments before the situation could turn fatal. The incident triggered alarm along the busy stretch, but swift action by emergency responders ensured there were no casualties.

The bus, identified as Geetanjali (registration number AS 12 BC 9991), was travelling from Dimapur to Chulun in Kaliabor, carrying around 40 passengers who were heading to attend the two-day Sadbhavana Sammelan. According to preliminary information, a mechanical failure in the engine led to a sudden fire while the vehicle was in motion.

As flames erupted from the engine compartment, panic spread among the passengers. Acting quickly, all those onboard rushed out of the bus and managed to escape safely, avoiding what could have been a devastating accident.

The incident took place at Hatiyakhowa under Kaliabor. Following alerts, Ulubani Police and teams from the Kaliabor Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the scene and successfully brought the blaze under control, preventing further damage.

Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage to the vehicle, while the exact cause of the mechanical failure is expected to be examined. The timely evacuation by passengers and the prompt response of emergency services played a crucial role in averting loss of life.