In a startling incident that could have escalated into a major disaster, a Singapore-KL express bus operated by Cityline Global became engulfed in flames shortly after passengers disembarked, nearly reaching its destination at Berjaya Times Square. The incident unfolded near Serdang on the North-South Expressway, sending shockwaves among the passengers and the onlookers.
Alarming Discovery
Passengers aboard the ill-fated bus experienced panic when they detected loud static noises emanating from the speakers, followed by the unmistakable odor of smoke. The bus driver promptly pulled over at a toll stop at Sungei Besi to allow a restroom break and to investigate the source of the smoke. It was during this brief halt that smoke was observed billowing from the luggage storage compartment, signaling the onset of a fire.
Timely Evacuation
In a commendable act of prompt decision-making, the bus driver instructed the passengers, who had stayed on board during the break, to evacuate immediately. Within minutes, the situation escalated as the fire intensified, with passengers witnessing the harrowing sight of black smoke and the sounds of bursting tyres and shattering windows. The Serdang Fire and Rescue Department responded swiftly, deploying seven firefighters to combat the blaze, which had consumed nearly 90% of the vehicle by their arrival.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which left the bus completely charred and resulted in the total loss of passengers’ luggage stored in the compartment. Despite the material losses, it was a fortunate turn of events that no injuries were reported among the 22 passengers and the driver. The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety measures and emergency preparedness of long-distance bus services.
The passengers, though shaken by the ordeal, expressed their gratitude towards the bus driver for his quick thinking and the assistance provided by Cityline Global in the aftermath. A replacement bus was arranged promptly, ensuring the passengers could continue their journey to Kuala Lumpur. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of road travel and the paramount importance of safety protocols and emergency response measures.
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