HASSAN: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) divisional controller Ganganna Gowda said three buses were destroyed in a fire accident in Arakalgud Bus Depot on Friday. The loss is estimated at Rs. 15 lakh.

Speaking to the Hindu, Ganganna Gowda said the accident took place at 9 p.m. on Friday. The mechanical staff at the depot was welding a broken seat joint inside the bus. The rexin seat covers caught fire owing to the sparks from the welding machine. The sudden flames set the bus on fire. Three buses were parked side by side and the second bus also caught fire. Both were Suvarna Karnataka buses with specially designed seats. The fire extinguisher kept at the depot was not enough to control the fire. The third bus also caught fire. The KSRTC staff and residents assisted in putting out the fire. By the time the fire extinguisher arrived from Holenarsipur, the fire was under control. Ganganna Gowda said two buses were completely damaged while the third bus was partially damaged.

People's agitation

Residents of Arakalgud went on a strike against the apathy of the Government in not sanctioning a fire station at Arakalgud. One fire extinguisher was provided for Arakalgud but was shifted recently. The foundation stone for the fire station in Arakalgud was laid a year ago but it was yet to take off.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail