Shimla, March 12,
A major accident was narrowly avoided on Wednesday morning in Rampur, Shimla district, when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus of the Rampur depot suddenly caught fire. Thanks to the alertness of driver Madan, all passengers were safely evacuated before the flames engulfed the vehicle.
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The incident occurred at 11:30 AM near the Housing Board of Shingla, while the driver was stopping to pick up passengers. Upon noticing smoke coming from the bus, he immediately acted and instructed everyone to exit. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly, reducing the bus to ashes. The fire brigade reached the spot and managed to bring the flames under control.
Local residents have expressed their frustration with HRTC, alleging that outdated buses continue to be operated on rural routes. Reports suggest that nearly 15 buses at the Rampur depot have exceeded their lifespan but are still in use, frequently breaking down and causing inconvenience to passengers.
Interestingly, the incident occurred around the same time when the Deputy Chief Minister was addressing the assembly about the induction of new buses into HRTC’s fleet.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but the incident has raised serious questions about passenger safety on aging buses.
