SABARIMALA: A KSRTC bus caught fire on way to Sabarimala. The accident happened around 5:30 am Sunday morning near Attathodu at the 30th turn in the forest area between Chalakayam and Nilakal. The bus that was going from Pampa to Nilakkal was gutted in the fire. The bus was on its way to pick pilgrims from Nilakkal. So, only the conductor and driver were in the bus.

The driver stopped the bus and got out seeing the smoke. No casualty has been reported. The fire was extinguished by the fire rescue teams from Pampa and Nilakkal. The bus has been partially burnt. Low floor non-AC bus from Peroorkada depot met with the accident. Devaswom Board member A Aji Kumar visited the spot after knowing the incident.

The KSRTC informed the high court that 383 buses will be used in the first phase and 550 buses in the second phase for the mandala season and all the buses will have fitness certificates. This was informed to a devaswom bench including Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice S Muralikrishna. These matters were informed to the devaswom bench.

In addition to Low Floor Non-AC 120, Volvo Non-AC 55, Fast Passenger 122, Super-Fast 58, Deluxe 15 and Interstate Super Express 10, three maintenance vehicles will be in the first phase. 628 employees have been appointed. However, in the second phase, KSRTC informed that there will be 728 employees.