Luxury bus catches fire after hitting electric pole on NH-48 near Bengaluru; passengers escape unhurt

Dozens of passengers had a narrow escape in the early hours of Friday, February 6, after a private luxury bus rammed into an electric pole and burst into flames on the Tumkur–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) near Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The incident took place around 1:45 am near the Hanumanthapura–Kerekathiganur gate in Nelamangala taluk, sending panic among passengers travelling overnight. The bus, operated by Sanjana Travels, was en route from Bengaluru to Kalaburagi with around 40 passengers onboard when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

According to preliminary information, the bus was passing through a highway stretch undergoing construction work, which may have contributed to the mishap. Though the vehicle was reportedly moving at a reduced speed, it suddenly veered off the road, mounted the footpath and crashed into an electric pole maintained by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM).

The impact caused sparks, following which the bus caught fire within minutes, quickly engulfing the vehicle in flames. Alert passengers and the driver managed to evacuate the bus in time, preventing any loss of life. Eyewitnesses said passengers rushed out in panic, some leaving behind their luggage as the fire spread rapidly.

Fire and emergency services were immediately alerted, and fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the blaze. However, by the time firefighters managed to bring the fire under control, the bus had been completely gutted, leaving behind a charred shell. Traffic on NH-48 was briefly disrupted as emergency teams carried out rescue and clearance operations.

Officials said there were no reports of injuries, though some passengers were treated for shock. Local police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Authorities are also examining whether poor signage, inadequate barricading, or roadwork-related diversions played a role in the mishap.

The incident has once again raised concerns over night-time travel safety and construction-related hazards on national highways, particularly around Bengaluru, where several stretches are currently under expansion and repair work.