Close call for bus passengers

Passengers of a Haryana Roadways bus had a lucky escape after it caught fire and was completely charred near the Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate in North Delhi on Friday, police said.

Passengers of a Haryana Roadways bus had a lucky escape after it caught fire and was completely charred near the Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate in North Delhi on Friday, police said.

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The freak accident happened when a motorcyle skidded off the road and went below the bus, leaving behind a trail of sparks that caused the CNG cylinders to catch fire.

Two people — identified as Jugnu (24) and Kalu (25) -- were on their way to Laxmi Nagar on a motorcycle when it slipped. “They had just taken the sharp right turn leading to Rajghat near the Tibetan Monestary when they slipped,” said a senior police official on condition of anonymity.

According to police, even as the duo were knocked on to the adjacent pavement, their motorcycle continued to skid and went beneath the Haryana Roadways bus that was approaching from behind.

“The bike left a trail of sparks as it went below the bus, setting it ablaze as soon as it was close enough to the bus’ CNG cylinders,” added the official.

Passenger on board the burning bus had a narrow escape.

“The driver and the conductor started helping the passengers out of their seats as soon as they realised that the bus was on fire,” said Sonu Pehalwan (23), a wrestler at the adjoining Chandgiram Akahara.

“Some of my friends and I rushed to the bus while many other commuters stopped to help the passengers evacuate the bus,” he added.

Four fire engines were immediately dispatched to the spot to control and quench the fire, and there were no casualties, police said.

“It was purely an accident,’ said Sagarpreet Hooda, deputy commissioner of police, north Delhi.

“There were no casualties and the biker was given medical attention as soon as it was possible,” he added.