BUKIT MERTAJAM: A double-decker express bus caught fire at Km149.4 of the North South Expressway (NSE) here early this morning.
However, the bus’ 13 passengers and driver escaped unhurt in the 2.56am incident.
It is learnt that the bus had been heading from Sungai Petani to Putrajaya when one of its left tyres exploded, which triggered sparks that set the engine on fire.
"At the time of the incident, all the passengers were fast asleep. Luckily (they were able to escape in time).
"The Fire and Rescue Department managed to put out the fire," Seberang Prai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said today.
He added that all the passengers were later moved to another bus to continue their journey.