PALAKKAD, September 22, 2026: A KSRTC bus caught fire while travelling through Pattambi in Palakkad district early Tuesday morning, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle and evacuate passengers. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
The incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. near the fish market on the Pattambi–Perinthalmanna road. The bus was travelling from Perinthalmanna towards Kottayam when the driver noticed smoke and flames emerging from the front section.
The driver immediately brought the bus to a halt on the roadside and alerted the passengers. Most of the passengers were reportedly asleep when the fire was noticed, but they were able to leave the vehicle safely before the flames spread further.
The fire subsequently engulfed the front portion of the bus, which was completely gutted. Local residents initially attempted to control the fire before the Pattambi Fire and Rescue Services and police reached the spot and extinguished the flames.
A short circuit or technical fault in the engine area is being considered as a possible cause, though the exact reason has not yet been established. Fire and rescue officials and the Motor Vehicles Department are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident caused a temporary disruption to traffic along the route as emergency personnel carried out firefighting and other procedures. An internal KSRTC inquiry is also expected to examine whether any operational or maintenance issues contributed to the fire.
The timely action by the driver and the quick evacuation of passengers prevented what could have been a more serious incident, particularly given the early-morning timing when many passengers were asleep.
