Bus carrying Umrah pilgrims catches fire in Kerala | VIDEO

Kannur: A bus carrying Umrah pilgrims caught fire in the early hours of Tuesday while travelling through the district, forcing passengers to evacuate before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames, police said.

The bus was transporting pilgrims from Wayanad district to Kannur International Airport for their journey to Mecca when the incident occurred near the Sivapuram Muslim League office at around 2 am on Monday night.

Police said the driver noticed smoke emanating from the vehicle and immediately brought it to a halt, allowing all passengers to disembark safely.

All travellers were evacuated without injury. The driver, along with local residents, also helped remove luggage from the bus before the fire intensified.

Despite the quick response from residents and Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who reached the spot and attempted to extinguish the blaze, the bus was completely gutted.

Authorities confirmed that the pilgrims were later provided alternative transport arrangements and were able to continue their journey to the airport as planned.

Transport officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, police added.