Private Bus Catches Fire Near Calicut Airport on NH 966

quick Summary

• A private bus traveling from Palakkad to Kozhikode caught fire on NH 966 near Kondotty, close to Calicut International Airport, on Sunday morning (August 10, 2025).
• The incident occurred around 9 a.m. due to a suspected short circuit in the bus engine.
• The driver, Abdul Khader, stopped the vehicle after noticing smoke coming from the engine.
• All passengers were safely evacuated after breaking open locked automatic doors.
• Despite efforts by locals and fire tenders from Malappuram, Manjeri, and Feroke Fire and Rescue stations to contain it, the bus was completely gutted by flames.
• Many passengers lost personal belongings in the fire.

Photo: blaze engulfs a private bus on NH 966 near Calicut International Airport | photo Credit: Sakeer Hussain.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The timely evacuation of all passengers underscores how quick thinking can prevent potential disasters even under dire circumstances like this one.While no loss of life is reported-a fortunate outcome-the incident raises concerns over vehicle safety standards and maintenance practices for public transport buses in India. Establishing more stringent checks for mechanical issues such as short circuits could help avert such incidents in the future.

Additionally, while local responders acted swiftly with limited resources until professional help arrived from multiple stations across Malappuram district, consistent monitoring of high traffic routes like NH 966 may enhance emergency preparedness further along critical highways. For passengers using such services widely across India daily-an urgent need for systematic technical audits is needed backed-to-safety campaigns collaborationslogistics personally.lbl