ISLAMABAD: The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus service narrowly escaped a major accident today, when a metro bus going from Islamabad Secretariat to Rawalpindi Saddar suddenly caught fire near Sixth Road.

According to sources, the bus was plying on its usual route when suddenly smoke started rising from the engine compartment, after which flames started rising as soon as it was seen. There were passengers in the bus, however, the driver immediately showed his presence of mind and stopped the bus at a nearby station.

The driver instructed all the passengers to get down from the bus without any delay, after which the passengers were safely evacuated. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the bus was empty.

The fire was initially brought under control, however, due to strong winds, the fire flared up again and engulfed the entire bus in a few moments. Following the incident, panic spread in the area while a large number of citizens near the metro track also gathered at the spot.

Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot as soon as they received information and started firefighting operations. The rescue teams also controlled the second fire and tried to save the bus from further damage. According to initial reports, the fire broke out in the bus’s engine, however, investigations are underway to find out the final cause. The relevant authorities are reviewing the technical condition of the bus, repair records and the causes of the fire.

According to the authorities, all passengers were safe in the accident, which was possible due to the timely action of the driver and the immediate arrival of the rescue teams.