Fire breaks out in BMTC bus near St John’s Hospital in Koramangala; passengers escape unhurt

According to BMTC, the driver noticed smoke emanating from the bus operating on route 344C/2 and immediately stopped the vehicle. All passengers were safely evacuated. Image for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

A BMTC bus caught fire near St. John’s Hospital at the Koramangala Checkpost on Saturday (October 31) morning. No passengers were injured in the incident, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) said.

The incident occurred around 9.15 a.m. on October 31, when the bus, belonging to Depot 15 and operating on route 344C/2, was travelling near St John’s Hospital.

According to BMTC, the driver noticed smoke emanating from the bus and immediately stopped the vehicle. All passengers were safely evacuated. The driver and conductor then attempted to douse the fire using the fire extinguisher available on the bus and alerted the Fire and Emergency Services Department. Fire personnel rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze.

Possible short circuit suspected

A preliminary inspection by BMTC’s Mechanical Engineering Department indicated that an electrical short circuit could have triggered the fire. However, the exact cause is yet to be established.

BMTC has contacted the bus manufacturer and its technical team will conduct a joint inspection with BMTC engineers to ascertain the cause of the fire and determine whether there was any technical defect. Based on the inspection report, the Corporation will take corrective and preventive measures.

BMTC said passenger safety remains its priority and assured that a detailed technical investigation would be conducted.

Published - October 31, 2026 05:59 pm IST