A fire broke out in an Icon Paribahan luxury AC bus traveling from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka but quick action by locals and police rescued around 30 passengers by breaking the bus windows.
The incident occurred around midnight on Friday in front of the N Alam Filling Station in Kalghar Bazar, Ramu on the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway.
According to eyewitnesses and police the smoke and flames suddenly erupted as the bus passed through the area. As fire spread rapidly and panic gripped the 25-30 passengers on board who pleaded for help. Local residents responded immediately broke the windows and pulling passengers out one by one. No casualties were reported.
Ramu Highway Police and fire service personnel reached the scene shortly after being alerted. Highway Police Sergeant Parvez said officers arrived within 10 minutes and assisted in the rescue and helped passengers retrieve their belongings. Fire service teams later brought the blaze fully under control. Highway traffic was disrupted for some time.
Passengers alleged that the bus driver and helper fled the scene immediately after the fire started without helping anyone escape.
Fire Service and Civil Defense Station Officer Md. Abdul Quader Chowdhury said the fire likely resulted from a mechanical fault and engine overheating. He added that efforts are underway to trace and identify the driver and helper who fled the scene.
