18 passengers escaped as a KSRTC electric bus caught fire near Mysuru

Eighteen passengers had a narrow escape after an electric bus operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) caught fire near Bilikere, about 20 km from Mysuru, on Saturday evening. The bus was destroyed by fire.

The incident took place around 5.40 pm when the bus was going to Bengaluru from Virajpet.

KSRTC (Mysuru Rural Division) Divisional Controller Veeresh told HT that the driver noticed flames coming from one of the tires after locking the brakes and immediately stopped the bus on the shoulder. The passengers were safely evacuated.

Although the bus crew reportedly tried to put out the fire with fire extinguishers, the flames soon spread and the fire and rescue services were subsequently called. The fire was brought under control after a while.

The electric bus belonged to KSRTC Central Division (BCD-4) in Bengaluru.

Stranded passengers were provided with alternative transport by another bus.

Published – 05 Sep 2026 20:31 IST