Metro bus catches fire in Rawalpindi, passengers safely evacuated

RAWALPINDI: A fire broke out suddenly in a metro bus near Sixth Road station in Rawalpindi on Saturday, completely gutting the vehicle and forcing a temporary suspension of service, while also triggering emergency response operations. According to rescue officials, the bus travelling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi caught fire near the Sixth Road station, prompting immediate evacuation of passengers and closure of the metro bus track for traffic. Rescue teams reached the site shortly after the incident and launched firefighting operations, deploying emergency vehicles and personnel to bring the blaze under control while ensuring passenger safety. Officials said that all passengers were safely evacuated from the bus before the fire spread further. Rescue sources said that no casualties were reported in the incident. Eyewitnesses said some passengers broke the bus windows to escape as smoke and flames quickly engulfed the vehicle. However, authorities said the driver had already stopped the bus at the station and initiated evacuation procedures, which helped prevent a larger tragedy. Rescue officials said that at least four emergency vehicles and more than a dozen personnel were involved in the firefighting operation. The fire was later brought under control after multiple efforts at the scene. Preliminary reports suggested the fire may have started due to a short circuit in the bus engine, though officials said a detailed investigation would determine the exact cause. Officials also said that strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, and despite an initial attempt to extinguish the blaze, the flames reignited and eventually gutted the bus completely. Metro bus authorities temporarily suspended operations on the affected section of the corridor while clearance and safety checks were carried out. Services are expected to resume after the track is declared safe. Authorities described the incident as a close call for the twin-city transport system, noting that quick evacuation and emergency response helped avoid any loss of life. The post Metro bus catches fire in Rawalpindi, passengers safely evacuated appeared first on HUM News English.