A school bus belonging to S S Angle Higher Secondary School at Dapot-Maxem in Canacona was completely destroyed in a fire on Thursday night, triggering concern among parents, school authorities, and local residents. The incident occurred around 8.30 pm when the bus was parked within the school premises, located across the NH66 highway.
According to eyewitnesses, onlookers noticed flames engulfing the parked bus and immediately alerted the Canacona fire station. Thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames were visible from a distance, drawing the attention of residents in the surrounding area.
Fire Services Respond, Bus Reduced to Ashes
A fire tender from the Chapoli fire station rushed to the spot following the alert. However, by the time firefighters reached the scene, the bus had already been almost completely gutted. Fire personnel worked to prevent the blaze from spreading further and ensured the surrounding area was secured.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the bus was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Officials confirmed that the fire did not affect nearby structures, including school buildings or passing vehicles on the national highway.
Short Circuit Suspected, Investigation Ongoing
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, fire department officials stated that a short circuit is believed to have triggered the blaze. Electrical faults remain one of the most common causes of vehicle fires, particularly in older buses or those that have not undergone regular maintenance checks.
Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation to determine whether the fire resulted from electrical malfunction, negligence, or any other external factor. A technical inspection of the remains of the vehicle will form part of the inquiry.
Concerns Over School Transport Safety
The incident has renewed focus on the safety of school transport vehicles across Goa. Parents and local residents expressed concern over the condition and maintenance of buses used by educational institutions, especially those parked within school campuses overnight.
Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for periodic electrical inspections, fire safety audits, and proper parking protocols for school buses to prevent such incidents. The fire serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive maintenance to ensure student safety.
Authorities Urge Preventive Measures
Fire department officials have urged educational institutions to conduct regular checks of electrical wiring, fuel systems, and fire extinguishers in all school transport vehicles. They also advised schools to ensure buses are parked in designated areas away from classrooms and residential zones.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to issue further advisories aimed at strengthening fire safety compliance in schools across the state.