10 things you must do if your bus catches fire; stay safe with these tips

NEW DELHI: Over 40 people have died in two separate bus fire tragedies in India this week, raising concerns over passenger safety on private buses.

Authorities are calling for stricter safety measures after a Kaveri Travels bus caught fire in Andhra Pradesh and another bus went up in flames in Rajasthan.

Here are 10 things you should know

• Stay low and move quickly – Crawl or crouch to avoid smoke while heading to the nearest exit.
• Locate emergency exits immediately – Identify doors, windows, and hammers as soon as you board.
• Break windows if doors are blocked – Use a hammer or hard object to break a corner of a window and escape.
• Leave belongings behind – Bags, phones, and luggage can wait; every second counts.
• Cover nose and mouth – Use a scarf, shirt, or cloth to reduce smoke inhalation while moving toward safety.
• Follow exit signs and instructions – Head to clearly marked emergency doors and follow crew guidance.
• Help others if possible – Assist children, elderly, or injured passengers without compromising your own safety.
• Stay calm and avoid panic – Quick, orderly movement increases chances of survival.
• Avoid congested areas – Move toward less crowded exits to escape faster.
• Alert authorities if safe – Use emergency systems, phones, or whistle signals once out to notify rescue teams.

For bus operators:

• Fire-retardant interiors: Seats, curtains, and panels should use certified fire-resistant materials.
• Accessible emergency exits: Buses must have clearly marked, functional emergency doors and breakable windows with hammers at every row.
• Regular checks of electrical and fuel systems: AC wiring, batteries, and fuel lines should be inspected periodically.
• Fire extinguishers and driver training: Every bus should carry working extinguishers, and drivers must be trained to use them.
• GPS-linked emergency alerts: Sensors can automatically notify fire stations in case of smoke or overheating for faster response.