Driver's quick action averts major mishap as bus catches fire in Andhra

A major disaster was averted on Thursday morning near Salur in Parvathipuram Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh, when an Odisha-bound government RTC bus caught fire while climbing the steep Sunki Ghat road. Thanks to the driver’s quick response, all 10 passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. According to district Assistant Superintendent of Police Ankita Surana, the fire, which is suspected to have erupted due to a short circuit or engine malfunction, started as the bus was negotiating the ghat section. The driver noticed sparks from the engine, immediately stopped the vehicle, and alerted the passengers, enabling them to exit the bus just in time before the flames spread. Fire crews arrived quickly and managed to extinguish the blaze.

This incident brings to light the urgent need for regular fitness and technical inspections of government vehicles, especially those operating in challenging terrains like ghat roads. Mechanical failures and recent recurring fire accidents highlight concerning gaps in the fitness certification and maintenance of public transport fleets. Equally critical is the importance of comprehensive safety training for government drivers, who must be prepared not only to operate their vehicles but also to handle emergencies such as fires and breakdowns. The driver’s alertness and immediate action, which ensured all passengers' safety, demonstrate the decisive role well-trained staff can play in managing crises.

Local residents and transport safety experts are calling for authorities to prioritize mandatory fitness certifications for all government buses, routine fire safety audits, and regular refresher safety workshops for drivers. There is also a need to upgrade electrical systems and install modern fire safety equipment in public transport vehicles. While tragedy was narrowly avoided in this case, the incident should serve as a wake-up call to improve public transport safety standards across India by ensuring compulsory vehicle fitness checks and professional driver training. Only then can passenger safety be truly guaranteed for the future.