An electric bus traveling from Virajpet, Kodagu to Bengaluru caught fire near Madhugiri Koppalu Cross on the Hunsur‑Mysuru highway late Saturday. The driver and conductor halted the vehicle, evacuated all 16 passengers and their luggage, and the bus was subsequently gutted by flames. All occupants were rescued safely.
Additional Superintendent of Police Mallik C verified the event, confirming that every passenger was safely removed after the fire was spotted. Officials reported that a suspension balloon had ruptured during the trip, igniting the blaze without warning. Firefighters were summoned promptly; although thick smoke and flames had already enveloped the bus, they succeeded in controlling and fully extinguishing the fire. The stranded travelers were later transferred to Bengaluru on an alternate bus, and the incident disrupted traffic on the highway for about two hours.