KOCHI: The police have registered a case on the incident of a Volvo AC Low Floor bus catching fire while operating services in Kochi city. A detailed report on the incident will be submitted soon. A comprehensive examination will be conducted on the bus parked in Ernakulam South Depot. Initial reports said short circuit is the cause of the fire.

The incident happened at Kaarikkamuri Junction on Chittoor Road in Ernakulam around 3.10 pm yesterday. The bus of Muvattupuzha depot from Ernakulam proceeding to Thodupuzha caught fire. A major accident was averted as the passengers evacuated after seeing fumes emanating from the engine. There were more than 30 passengers in the bus.

The AC suddenly stopped while traveling. While worried about what had happened, a biker from behind informed about the black smoke emanating from the engine. The engine is behind the Volvo bus. The bus then stopped and all the passengers were evacuated. K M Raju, conductor of the bus, said the fire had spread by then.

The accident was the fourth trip of the bus from Ernakulam KSRTC stand to Thodupuzha via Muvattupuzha. Two units of fire force team arrived from Club Road fire station and brought the fire under control within seconds.

The rear of the bus was completely engulfed in flames and black smoke spread the whole area. The bus was close to the electric post. There was concern whether the fire would melt the cables and cause the fuel tank to explode. The power supply of the area was soon disconnected. Since it was immediately after departure, only 15 passengers were given tickets. The bus is more than 10 years old. Transportation came to a standstill following the incident.