VALPOI
A major accident was averted after a Kadamba Transport Corporation passenger bus travelling from Belagavi towards Goa began emitting heavy smoke from its engine near the Keri-Sattari check post on Tuesday evening.
The bus, bearing registration number GA-03-X-0715, was descending Chorla Ghat when the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. Acting promptly, he drove towards the Keri area and stopped the bus safely by the roadside.
As the smoke intensified, the driver and staff immediately evacuated all passengers from the vehicle and alerted the Valpoi Fire Brigade. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
According to the official fire brigade record, the incident was reported at around 5.13 pm. A team from the Valpoi Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and began firefighting operations. The personnel used a hose reel to control the situation, with the operation completed at around 6.50 pm.
Driver notices smoke
The Kadamba bus was travelling from Belagavi in Karnataka to Goa via the Chorla route. While descending the ghat, the driver noticed smoke emerging from the engine area.
Realising the potential danger, he continued towards Keri and parked the bus at a safe location. A preliminary inspection was carried out, but when the smoke increased, the fire brigade was immediately contacted for assistance.
The passengers also noticed the smoke and were briefly alarmed. However, the driver and staff acted quickly and ensured that everyone left the bus before the situation could worsen.
All passengers were safely evacuated from the bus. The decision to stop the vehicle and move the passengers away from it helped prevent a potentially serious incident.
Citizens present at the spot also assisted the firefighters during the operation. The fire brigade personnel managed to bring the smoke and potential fire hazard under control before the bus could be completely engulfed.
The fire brigade has estimated the damage to the bus at around Rs 50,000. At the same time, property worth approximately Rs 30 lakh was reportedly saved due to the timely firefighting operation.
Fire brigade responds
The Valpoi Fire Brigade team reached the spot soon after receiving the alert and carried out the necessary measures under the leadership of Krishna C. Naik.
The team comprised Adam A. Khan, Rama Y. Naik, Rupesh U. Gaonkar and Pratesh C. Gaonkar. After assessing the situation, the firefighters used a hose reel to control the smoke and prevent the possible spread of fire.
Passengers and citizens present at the scene appreciated the prompt response of the fire brigade. They also credited the bus driver for noticing the problem in time, stopping the vehicle and ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers.
The exact cause of the smoke from the engine has not yet been established. It is not immediately clear whether it resulted from a mechanical or technical fault or another issue.
A detailed technical inspection of the bus is expected to establish the cause. The concerned authorities may also examine the vehicle to determine whether any repairs or other measures are required before it is put back into service.
The incident caused brief concern among residents and commuters in the Keri area, particularly because the Belagavi-Goa route via Chorla carries passenger traffic.
However, the driver's timely action, safe evacuation of passengers and immediate response by the Valpoi Fire Brigade helped prevent the incident from escalating into a major accident.
