Hyderabad: Panic gripped commuters at Mehdipatnam on Tuesday morning when a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus suddenly caught fire near Metro Pillar No. 9. The incident occurred around 9 am while the city ordinary bus, carrying nearly 40 passengers, was travelling from Masab Tank towards Rajendranagar. Fortunately, all passengers managed to escape unhurt after the driver noticed smoke and immediately stopped the vehicle, ensuring everyone got down safely.

According to preliminary information, a short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire in the moving bus. Eyewitnesses said the flames quickly spread to the front portion of the vehicle, creating panic among passengers and onlookers. However, the timely action of the driver and conductor, who alerted the commuters and guided them to safety, prevented what could have been a major tragedy.

Soon after the incident, the bus staff informed the fire department and the local police. Firefighters rushed to the spot and managed to extinguish the blaze, though the front part of the bus was badly damaged. Traffic at the busy Mehdipatnam junction was briefly affected due to the incident. Officials are conducting further investigations to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage to the bus.