Chennai School Bus Catches Fire Near Kundrathur, All Students Safe

Bus Catches Fire on Morning Route

A school bus carrying students caught fire near Kundrathur on the outskirts of Chennai on Wednesday morning. The incident took place around 8:30 am while the bus was on its regular route picking up children for school.

The driver noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment and immediately pulled over. He alerted the students and the attendant on board. All children were evacuated within minutes.

Quick Action Prevents Casualties

Local residents and passersby rushed to help after seeing the smoke. The fire department was called and reached the spot shortly. Firefighters doused the flames before they could spread to the passenger cabin.

No injuries were reported among the students or staff. The bus was completely gutted in the fire. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of students on board at the time of the incident.

Engine Malfunction Suspected

Preliminary investigations suggest an engine malfunction may have sparked the fire. A short circuit in the wiring is also being looked into as a possible cause. The bus was reportedly a standard model used for school transport in the area.

School authorities said they are cooperating with the police and fire department to determine the cause. They have also arranged alternative transport for the affected students for the rest of the day.

Previous Incidents Raise Concerns

This is not the first time a school bus has caught fire in Chennai. Similar incidents in the past have led to calls for stricter safety checks on school vehicles. The transport department has occasionally conducted inspections, but enforcement remains inconsistent.

Parents of children in the area have expressed relief that no one was hurt but demanded better maintenance of school buses. Many say they live in fear of such accidents and want regular checks mandated.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. They have also alerted the regional transport office to examine the bus's service history and fitness certificate.

What to watch: The transport department is expected to issue a notice to all schools in the Chennai region to conduct immediate safety audits of their buses. A detailed report on the fire's cause is awaited.