Midnight Fire Engulfs Passenger Bus in Kokrajhar; 22 Travellers Rescued

On the night of [insert date], a potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly avoided on National Highway 27 near Patgaon in Kokrajhar district, Assam. A Tezpur-bound passenger bus, bearing registration number AR-01-M-0924, traveling from Siliguri, caught fire around 12:40 am, allegedly due to a mechanical fault. The blaze erupted suddenly, taking passengers by surprise and creating panic on board. The timing and nature of the incident meant that immediate response and decisive action were critical to prevent a disaster, particularly given that the bus was fully loaded with 22 passengers traveling late at night.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire erupted without warning, spreading rapidly across the vehicle. Passengers were thrown into a state of fear and confusion as smoke and flames engulfed the bus. Many feared for their lives, as escape options were limited and visibility was poor. In such circumstances, the role of law enforcement and emergency personnel became pivotal.

The swift response of the Patgaon Police Station team, led by the officer-in-charge, played a decisive role in averting a tragedy. Sub-Inspectors Amirul Hussain and Asim Roy, along with their staff, exhibited both courage and efficiency. They immediately rushed to the scene, assessed the situation, and coordinated the evacuation of all passengers from the burning vehicle. Their actions ensured that each of the 22 travelers was safely removed from harm’s way before the fire could spread further or cause irreversible damage.

Simultaneously, the Kokrajhar Fire and Emergency Services acted promptly to control the blaze. Firefighters arrived on-site and worked to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles or threatening the surrounding area. Their timely intervention was instrumental in controlling the situation and limiting the damage to the bus, which was eventually completely gutted.

Remarkably, despite the intensity of the fire and the potential for disaster, there were no casualties or serious injuries reported. The passengers, though understandably shaken, were unharmed, highlighting the effectiveness of the coordinated rescue operation. Local residents praised the professionalism and rapid response of both the police and fire service teams. They specifically commended Sub-Inspectors Amirul Hussain and Asim Roy, along with their personnel, for their courage, calm under pressure, and decisive action that undoubtedly saved lives.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and coordination in emergency situations. The rapid and effective response prevented what could have otherwise been a tragic event, particularly on a busy highway late at night. Although the bus was completely destroyed, the safety of all passengers was ensured, turning a potential midnight disaster into a story of relief and effective crisis management. The combined efforts of the police and fire department exemplify the critical role of first responders in protecting public safety and mitigating risks during unforeseen emergencies.

In conclusion, the night-time bus fire near Patgaon was a severe test of emergency response readiness. Thanks to the swift, courageous, and coordinated actions of law enforcement and fire personnel, all 22 passengers escaped unharmed. What could have been a devastating tragedy ended with relief, serving as a testament to the importance of effective crisis management, training, and teamwork in preventing loss of life during sudden and dangerous incidents.