Fire erupts on moving bus on 2nd Hooghly Bridge, passengers jump out of windows

A passenger bus traveling from Dharmatala in Kolkata to Purulia caught fire while crossing the Second Hooghly Bridge, triggering chaos and panic among the 40 passengers on board. The fire reportedly started from the wheels of the moving bus and quickly spread, forcing passengers to escape through windows and emergency exits.

The incident occurred at the heart of the bridge, causing immediate traffic disruption. The Kolkata-Howrah lane was temporarily shut down to ensure safety and allow emergency services to operate without obstruction. Several passengers suffered minor injuries during the panic, though no casualties have been reported.

Upon receiving the alert, three fire engines rushed to the scene. With the joint effort of the fire brigade and Kolkata Police traffic officers, the blaze was brought under control after intense efforts. The conductor of the bus is being praised for his swift action in helping all passengers disembark before the flames engulfed the vehicle.

The bus was carrying many goods, both inside and on its roof. Unfortunately, all of it was destroyed in the fire, including personal belongings and cargo. Preliminary reports suggest the fire originated from the engine area, but an investigation is currently underway to confirm the exact cause.

Passengers were visibly shaken, and many described the experience as terrifying. “It felt like a nightmare. We saw flames beneath us and had to jump out,” said one passenger. Emergency services remained on site for hours to ensure complete safety and clear the route.