Seven scramble to safety as bus goes up in flames

KUALA LUMPUR: A driver and his six passengers scrambled out of a RapidKL bus just before it went up in flames in Wangsa Maju here.

Spectators also heard an explosion as the engine caught fire. The flames also damaged six other cars parked nearby.

City Fire and Rescue Department chief operations officer Samsol Maarif Saibani said they were alerted to the incident near the Aeon Big Shopping Mall in Seksyen 5, Wangsa Maju, at 3.54pm yesterday.

When firemen arrived at the scene, the fire had already spread to the six other vehicles.

Firemen put out the fire at 4.28pm. Meanwhile, Rapid KL bus service operator Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd issued a statement confirming the incident.

The statement said the bus was going from the Sri Rampai LRT station to Seksyen 10 in Wangsa Maju when the incident occured.

“The bus suddenly seized and the captain could smell smoke. The captain immediately told all six passengers to exit the bus,” it stated.

None of the passengers was hurt. Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd has asked owners of the damaged vehicles to contact it at 03-7885 2585 or e-mail suggest@rapidkl.com.my for compensation.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said it viewed the incident seriously.

“SPAD will be carrying out an investigation together with Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research to identify the cause of the incident. Prasarana will also be directed to submit a detailed report on the incident.