Major Bus Tragedy Averted in Kangra as HRTC Bus Catches Fire; All Passengers Safe
A major tragedy was averted in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Friday when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus travelling from Sarut to Palampur suddenly caught fire near Kaluna village.
Arvind Sharma
Jul 17, 2026 08:05
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Dharamshala, July 17, 2026: A major tragedy was averted in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Friday when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus travelling from Sarut to Palampur suddenly caught fire near Kaluna village. Thanks to the prompt response of the driver and conductor, all passengers were evacuated safely before the flames engulfed the vehicle.
The HRTC bus, attached to the Palampur depot, was operating on the Sarut–Palampur route via Chauki and Parmarnagar when smoke was noticed emerging from the vehicle shortly before it reached Kaluna village. Within moments, the smoke turned into a massive fire that rapidly spread through the bus.
According to passengers, the driver immediately pulled the bus over to the roadside after noticing the smoke, while the conductor instructed everyone to disembark without delay. All passengers managed to get off safely just before the fire consumed the entire vehicle, averting what could have been a devastating accident.
Passengers suspected that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, although the exact cause is yet to be established.
The fire spread rapidly, reducing the bus to a gutted shell within minutes and causing extensive damage. On receiving information about the incident, officials from the HRTC and the local administration rushed to the spot. The remains of the vehicle were inspected, and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire.
No injuries or casualties were reported. The timely presence of mind and swift action of the driver and conductor have drawn widespread appreciation for preventing a potentially catastrophic incident.
