RAWALPINDI:

Panic gripped passengers travelling in a Metro bus after a technical fault caused heavy smoke to spread inside the moving vehicle and on the track near Faizabad.

Frightened passengers started breaking emergency exit windows after a slight delay in the opening of doors.

According to officials, the metro bus carrying passengers, including women, was travelling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi when thick smoke started emitting from the engine section, rear portion and silencer side as it approached Faizabad. Smoke also accumulated inside the bus, prompting the driver to immediately stop the vehicle.

Passengers became distressed when the doors did not open instantly and began smashing the glass designated for emergency exits. One passenger was injured while attempting to climb out through the broken window, while others safely evacuated after the doors were opened.

The metro bus staff ensured passengers’ safety and temporarily halted Metro operations on the track before opening the doors and evacuating commuters. Officials of the Metro Bus Authority reached the spot after being informed and shifted the bus from the track to the depot.

A senior officer of the Metro Bus Authority said the technical fault caused smoke to emerge from the engine-linked parts and the silencer side at the rear of the bus. He clarified that no fire broke out in any part of the vehicle and no one suffered burn injuries.