The bus had gone up in flames after it hit a motorcycle, said police
Police personnel near the charred remains of the bus. Pic/PTI
The next time one boards a sleeper bus, you may witness a safety briefing on the emergency entry/exit points and evacuation routes just like the cabin crew does on flights before take-off. This is among a slew of safety measures the MSRTC launched this past weekend in the wake of the tragic bus accident and resulting fire that killed 19 passengers in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday.
The bus had gone up in flames after it hit a motorcycle, said police. Most of the passengers were asleep. Quick thinking helped about 20 people escape the blaze after they smashed the emergency window and jumped out. This is the second such mishap in the past fortnight, including a similar bus crash in Rajasthan that claimed 21 lives on October 15. It has once again raised concerns over intercity sleeper buses turning into death traps. Now, the safety campaign has been launched so that passengers become aware and alert, key to a safer journey. Pay attention to instructions and announcements.
Actually be attentive when the bus staff, who should be well-trained themselves, demonstrates safety drills. Stay focused as these drills will show passengers how to suppress flames by removing oxygen, heat, and fuel by covering small fires with a blanket or cloth. Make sure you know where the emergency window is located. Checks for flammable materials or fireworks inside buses should be mandatory. The authorities must ensure the main dòor is obstruction-free; a hammer to break a window to escape is a must; luggage only as per specification; passengers only with valid tickets; every single escape avenue window, door, roof hatch to remain free for escape. Make buses fire-compliant vehicles with an informed crew and aware passengers.
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