27:I[86034,["4935","static/chunks/e37a0b60-d00d99eb89265733.js","3219","static/chunks/wordpress-api-8f529a3a38bf4241.js","9173","static/chunks/supabase-29cdbb723009a5e7.js","5179","static/chunks/components-e7fe9dc31e854c57.js","4121","static/chunks/vendor-a80de29a32e9126d.js","564","static/chunks/564-536a3298562f8329.js","601","static/chunks/601-1f44ec1f5a7ea23a.js","4322","static/chunks/4322-360634759b30bc16.js","5145","static/chunks/app/en/post/%5Bslug%5D/page-d4fee051f012a6e6.js"],"default"] 28:T5ed,

Kundapur, Jun 7, 2026: A private bus carrying 17 passengers caught fire and was completely destroyed at Hulikal Ghat on the Kundapur-Shivamogga State Highway 52 on Saturday afternoon. Due to the swift responsiveness of the bus crew, a major tragedy was averted as all passengers escaped unhurt.

Vehicular movement on Hulikal Ghat had already been restricted due to a recent landslide. Consequently, a private bus arriving from Sagar had dropped its passengers near the Sri Chandikamba temple. Meanwhile, another bus bound for Udupi from Balebare Ghat picked up 17 passengers. Barely 300 meters into its journey, the vehicle caught fire.

Noticing the danger, the driver and conductor acted instantly to stop the vehicle, evacuated all the passengers, and moved them to a safe distance. Moments after the evacuation, thick black smoke engulfed the bus, which quickly burst into massive flames and was reduced to ashes.

The incident led to a total traffic gridlock on the ghat section for some time. Local residents and police personnel worked in coordination to clear the blocked highway and eventually restored the smooth flow of traffic.

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