Bus carrying Palakkad school students catches fire in Tamil Nadu
All 49 people on board, including 45 students, escaped unhurt after the vehicle was completely destroyed near Devadanapatti.
A tourist bus carrying 45 students from Varode KPSMM School caught fire near Devadanapatti in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district on Sunday morning, according to The Times of India.
The vehicle was travelling towards Munnar after a visit to Kodaikanal when the incident occurred around 11am. The group had started a two-day excursion on Saturday.
Teachers accompanying the group said a rear tyre burst with a loud noise, causing the driver to pull over. Smoke and sparks were seen near the rear wheel, leading staff to evacuate the 45 students, three teachers, and one parent.
Fire and rescue services from Periyakulam and Vathalakundu arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control after nearly 30 minutes. The bus and belongings, such as bags and clothes, were completely destroyed.
The travel agency arranged a replacement bus to return the students to Ottapalam. Devadanapatti police have launched an investigation into the incident.