Fire Erupts in Noakhali Bus, Sparking Local Alarm
A dramatic incident late on Friday night sent shockwaves through the residents of Noakhali district town, as a parked bus at Sonapur Bus Stand suddenly caught fire, causing widespread alarm. According to eyewitness accounts, several seats inside the bus were severely damaged, though fortunately, there were no passengers on board at the time. Local authorities confirmed that the vehicle had been stationary at the roadside when the blaze unexpectedly erupted.
The bus, identified as belonging to the reputable “Subarna Super Express Service,” had been parked just north of Sonapur Bus Stand. The driver and his assistant had disembarked earlier to have dinner, leaving all doors and windows securely closed. Around 9:30 pm, passersby travelling in a nearby CNG auto-rickshaw noticed smoke and flames emanating from the bus’s interior. They promptly alerted local residents, who rushed to the scene and doused the flames using water. Despite their swift action, four to five seats were completely destroyed.
Officer-in-Charge of Sudharam Police Station, Mohammad Touhidul Islam, remarked, “Four to five seats inside the bus have been burnt. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have started when the driver left a mosquito coil or kerosene lamp burning inside. However, we are examining all possible causes.”
This is not the first instance of a bus catching fire in Noakhali. On 3 December, three double-decker buses at the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) depot in North Sonapur were set ablaze, resulting in the complete destruction of two buses and partial damage to the third.
Such incidents have heightened local concern over public safety and fire prevention. In response, the district administration has assured residents that security measures at the bus stand and parking areas are being strengthened. Additional steps are being taken to enhance fire control measures and ensure closer monitoring of public transport hubs, aiming to prevent similar hazardous situations in the future.
Authorities and police have urged passengers and locals to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity around parked buses immediately. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations and fire prevention protocols in public transportation centres.