Arun Jasrotia
Katra :TDD-In a heart-stopping incident near Katra, a bus carrying nearly 38 pilgrims caught fire near the Bai Nala area of Katra here today. The vehicle, bearing registration number JK 02 AN 4971, was en route to Jammu railway station from Katra after the devotees had paid their obeisance at the revered Vaishno Devi shrine.
The sudden blaze triggered panic among the passengers, most of whom were returning home after their pilgrimage. However, swift action by the driver ensured that all passengers were evacuated safely, preventing any casualties. As soon as the fire alarm was raised, local authorities, including the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), rushed to the scene. Fire tenders were immediately dispatched to douse the flames, and they managed to bring the situation under control.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and the Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident. The timely response of the emergency services and the presence of mind of the driver averted what could have been a major tragedy.
Superintendent of Police, Katra, Vipan Chandran, stated that at 3:15 PM, he received a call regarding a bus catching fire approximately 500 meters ahead of Nowain Naka on the Katra-Jammu Road. The bus, bearing registration number JK 02 AN 4971, was engulfed in flames.
He further informed that the fire brigade and Katra police were immediately dispatched to the scene. Fortunately, no passengers were injured in the incident. The driver, upon noticing the fire, acted promptly and evacuated all passengers, thereby preventing a major tragedy.
The fire brigade successfully extinguished the blaze, and a case has been registered to investigate the cause of the fire. Further actions are underway to ascertain the reasons behind this incident.TDD
