Caught on camera: Heroic locals save passengers as moving bus catches fire in Kerala

A potentially devastating tragedy was averted in Kerala’s Ottapalam town after a private bus suddenly caught fire, prompting a swift and heroic response from locals. The dramatic incident, captured on CCTV, has since gone viral, drawing widespread praise for the calm evacuation and extraordinary civic action that ensured everyone’s safety.

The bus, reportedly operating on the Palakkad–Guruvayur route, was travelling through a busy semi-urban stretch lined with shops and signboards when flames erupted from the lower front engine section. The footage shows the vehicle still in motion when the fire begins, with a fuel station located nearby heightening the potential risk.

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Passengers Evacuate Within Seconds

Reacting swiftly, the driver brought the bus to a halt and opened the doors. Passengers disembarked quickly and in an orderly manner. The CCTV visuals show no signs of panic or stampede. Within 50 seconds, all passengers had safely moved away from the burning vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Locals Step In to Control Blaze

About 30 seconds into the incident, a bystander reportedly an auto driver rushed forward with a fire extinguisher. Soon, three to four others joined him, bringing additional extinguishers believed to have been sourced from nearby establishments. Working together, they targeted the engine area and managed to bring the visible flames under control within a minute.

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Police arrived shortly after to regulate traffic and secure the site.

The incident stands as a powerful example of calm crisis management and community spirit. With the bus located close to a petrol pump, the quick thinking of both passengers and locals likely prevented a far more serious disaster. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire.