NBSTC bus catches fire, narrow escape for passengers
The Statesman | 19 August 2025
Passengers of a North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) bus had a narrow escape on Monday after the vehicle suddenly caught fire near Morgram in Murshidabad.
Panic gripped the moving bus as flames spread rapidly, forcing passengers to rush out. Thankfully, all managed to escape unharmed, though the incident created widespread commotion in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the bus was travelling from Behrampore towards Farakka when smoke began billowing near Dohalmore. Within minutes, fire engulfed the interior. The driver halted the bus immediately, and terrified passengers scrambled to safety with the help of local residents.
Several passengers complained of breathing difficulties as smoke filled the vehicle, with some nearly losing consciousness. Quick intervention by locals prevented a major tragedy. The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, though an electrical short circuit is suspected.
Police from Sagardighi station and fire brigade personnel soon reached the spot and brought the blaze under control. By then, the bus had suffered extensive damage. Authorities confirmed no fatalities, though a few passengers sustained minor injuries in the chaos.
The Incident has triggered anger among passengers, who alleged gross negligence in the maintenance of state-run buses. They claimed routine servicing and safety checks are ignored, creating life-threatening situations. Locals demanded stricter monitoring of public transport safety, warning that the outcome could have been catastrophic had there been children or inflammable goods on board.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.