TNSTC Bus Gutted by Fire Near Sattur

A Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus operating on the Nagercoil–Madurai route was completely gutted by fire near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm, but all 74 passengers on board escaped without injuries due to the quick response of the driver and timely evacuation.

Smoke Detected From Engine Compartment

According to police officials, the bus was traveling on the Sattur–Virudhunagar road when the driver noticed smoke emerging from the front engine bonnet. The vehicle was reportedly fully occupied and was approaching the area near the Etturvattam toll plaza, approximately 200 meters from the National Highways Authority of India toll gate.

Sensing a potential danger, the driver immediately pulled the bus over to the roadside near the Sattur tollgate and instructed all passengers to alight from the vehicle. Moments after the passengers exited, the fire intensified and rapidly spread across the bus.

Passengers Evacuated Just in Time

Authorities said the prompt decision taken by the driver played a crucial role in preventing casualties. Within minutes of evacuation, flames engulfed the vehicle, leaving little time for any firefighting attempt before the bus was severely damaged.

“The driver noticed smoke from the front bonnet and stopped the bus immediately, asking all passengers to get down,” a police official said, describing the sequence of events.

Fire Services Rush to the Spot

Fire and rescue personnel from the nearby fire station rushed to the location after receiving alerts. Firefighters worked to control and extinguish the blaze, but by the time the flames were doused, the bus had already been reduced to a charred shell.

Although no passengers were injured, several bags and personal belongings kept inside the bus were destroyed in the fire. Officials said the extent of the property loss is still being assessed.

Traffic Disruption on Sattur–Virudhunagar Road

The incident led to temporary traffic disruptions on the Sattur–Virudhunagar stretch as firefighting operations and vehicle clearance were underway. Police personnel were deployed to regulate traffic and ensure safety in the affected area until normal movement was restored.

Passenger details were recorded at the scene as part of standard operating procedures followed during such incidents.

Alternate Arrangements and Investigation Underway

Following the fire, TNSTC arranged an alternate bus to help stranded passengers continue their journey to Madurai later that evening. Officials said the replacement service ensured minimal inconvenience to travelers despite the severity of the incident.

Vachakarapatti police have registered a complaint based on preliminary information received from officials on site. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire, with initial focus on the engine compartment where smoke was first observed.

Authorities stated that a detailed technical inspection of the burnt vehicle will be conducted, and further details will emerge once the investigation is completed.