Narrow escape for passengers as bus hits transformer

Over 30 passengers had a narrow escape after a State-owned transport corporation bus hit a power transformer at Alampallam near here on Tuesday. 

According to sources, the incident occurred when the TNSTC bus was proceeding to Kumbakonam from Ariyalur. The driver apparently tried to give way for an upcoming school bus, but veered off the road and hit a transformer. A back tyre caught fire under the impact, causing panic among the passengers.

Sensing the threat of electrocution, they got down from the bus hurriedly. Some of them reportedly jumped out. The driver, subsequently, managed to move the bus to safety. Farmers and bystanders came to the rescue and put out the fire by pouring water. Though the bus hit the transformer, it did not touch the live wire, preventing a major tragedy.