Private bus goes up in flames on NH 966 near Calicut International Airport

A private bus travelling from Palakkad to Kozhikode burst into flames on National Highway 966 near Kondotty on Sunday (August 10, 2025) morning. Timely evacuation saved all passengers despite the bus being fully packed when the fire started.

The incident took place around 9 a.m. between Kolathur and Thurakkal, near Calicut International Airport. The bus named Sana experienced a technical issue, prompting the driver to stop and investigate. Shortly after, smoke began billowing from the engine.

According to bus driver Abdul Khader, a short circuit likely caused the fire.

Passengers were evacuated after breaking open the locked automatic doors. Local people attempted to douse the fire, but the intense flames made it hard for them to approach the bus.

Fire tenders from Malappuram, Manjeri and Feroke Fire and Rescue stations rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames, but the bus was completely gutted. Many passengers suffered losses as their belongings were destroyed in the fire.