Shivamogga Bus Accident: Non-AC Sleeper Bus With 36 Passengers Catches Fire on Hosanagara-Bengaluru Route

A private sleeper bus travelling from Hosanagara to Bengaluru caught fire late Tuesday night near Sudur village in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district, injuring several passengers and completely destroying the vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 10.30 pm on January 27, 2026, when smoke was first noticed inside the driver's cabin of the non-AC sleeper bus operated by Sri Annapurneshwari Travels. The bus was carrying 36 passengers at the time.

According to officials, the bus went out of control and hit a tree on the roadside after the fire broke out. Most passengers were awake and reacted swiftly by opening the side windows and emergency exit, jumping out of the bus before the flames spread.

Driver, conductor among injured

Three people, including the driver and the conductor, sustained burn injuries while escaping from the bus. A few other passengers suffered minor injuries and bruises during the rush to get out. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment. Officials said their condition is stable.

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil said the non-AC layout of the bus helped passengers evacuate quickly.

"Because it was a non-AC bus, the passengers could get down from the vehicle quickly. Three people suffered burn injuries, and a few others sustained bruises while getting off the bus in panic," he said.

Bus completely gutted, probe underway

Local police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident. However, the bus was completely gutted despite firefighting efforts.

Authorities said the quick response by passengers and staff prevented serious casualties. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, based on preliminary findings from the scene.