Shimla, March 12 -- Passengers in a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus had a close shave, courtesy an alert driver, after the vehicle suddenly caught fire which quickly engulfed the vehicle on Wednesday in Shimla district, police said.
Noticing smoke coming from the bus while it was nearing a stoppage, the driver Madan raised an alarm and all passengers were safely evacuated before the flames engulfed the vehicle.
The incident occurred at 11-30 am near the Housing Board of Shimla, while the driver was stopping to pick up passengers. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly. The fire brigade reached the spot and managed to bring the flames under control.
Local residents have expressed their frustration with HRTC, alleging that...