KUALA LUMPUR: A quick thinking bus driver saved the lives of seven passengers as the Rapid KL bus caught fire at KM31 of the Federal Highway today.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, in a statement, said prior to the 4.45pm incident, the bus driver had heard noises coming from the engine compartment.
When a police patrol car, trailing from behind, started to turned on the siren, he immediately stopped the vehicle and ordered all the passengers to disembark, following which the bus went up in flames.
“There are no casualties recorded. The police had contacted the Fire and Rescue Department to assist when attempts to put out the fire using the fire extinguisher failed.
“Rapid KL will cooperate with enforcement agencies to pinpoint the cause of fire and total amount of losses incurred. Comfort and safety of our passengers are our top priority,” the statement read.
Rapid KL bus drivers, according to the statement, had been given training on how to handle tense and unforeseen situation.
The passengers, who were unhurt, were later transferred to another bus.
Petaling Jaya fire station chief Hishamuddin Mustafa said the department deployed 14 firemen to the scene.
The blaze was put out by 5.11pm.