Moving bus catches fire in Jashore; no casualties reported

A passenger bus caught fire while in motion on the Jashore-Narail highway this afternoon (27 March), though all passengers managed to escape safely.

The incident occurred around 4:30pm in the Fatepur area of Jashore, where the bus engine reportedly caught fire due to a mechanical fault, according to witnesses and local sources.

Confirming the matter, Kazi Babul Islam, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Jashore Kotwali Model Police Station, said the driver had informed the bus owner of a mechanical issue before departure.

However, the vehicle was reportedly sent on the trip regardless.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, he added.

The bus had left Monihar in Jashore earlier in the day, carrying more than 50 passengers bound for Dhaka. As it reached Fatehpur in Sadar upazila, the engine caught fire, which quickly spread throughout the vehicle.

Panic-stricken passengers rushed to exit the bus through doors and windows after it came to a halt with a loud noise. No casualties were reported.

Members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control within about 30 minutes, according to officials.

A video of the incident showing the bus engulfed in flames has since circulated on social media.

The fire briefly disrupted traffic on the highway, though normal movement has since resumed.