Driver hurt as bus catches fire

A private bus plying on Kattappana -Changanassery route caught fire near the KSRTC depot on MC Road here.  The incident happened at 4.25 pm on Thursday.

The bus, Sharan, was returning from the petrol pump after dropping all the passengers at the Perunna municipal bus stand when  it caught fire.

Bus driver Rajan, 42, of Mepurathu house Nedumkandam, averted a major mishap by skilfully stoppping the bus safely on the road, even though his clothes caught fire.

The people from a wayside eatery and autorickshaw drivers helped Rajan by dousing the fire and rushed him to the taluk hospital. Police and fire force officials also reached the spot but the fire had been doused before their arrival.

Electric short circuit is said to be the reason for the fire.

Rajan, who suffered burns on his face and legs, was later shifted to Kottayam Medical College. Doctors said that his condition is out of danger.