A routine evening trip turned into a dramatic roadside emergency on November 20 when a Setra bus owned by the Burgas-based company M-Bus caught fire while traveling near Aytos.
According to the Aytos Regional Office, the incident occurred at approximately 8:10 p.m. on the stretch of road between the junction for the village of Mirolyubovo and the nearby village of Sadievo.
Authorities confirmed that the fire likely began due to a short circuit in the electrical installation located in the rear section of the vehicle.
This mechanical failure quickly escalated into a visible blaze, forcing the driver to halt the bus and evacuate all passengers immediately. Thanks to their swift reaction, no injuries were reported among those on board.
The bus, which was registered in Burgas and operated by M-Bus, sustained significant damage. According to officials, the rear portion of the vehicle partially burned down before emergency services arrived.
Despite the severity of the flames, the driver and passengers maintained calm and followed safety procedures, ensuring that everyone moved away from the burning bus without incident.
Emergency responders from the Aytos Regional Fire Service were dispatched moments after the report was received. One fire truck and a team of three firefighters were deployed to the scene.
Their arrival marked the beginning of a coordinated firefighting effort aimed at containing the flames and preventing the fire from spreading to the bus’s fuel system or surrounding vegetation. Upon reaching the location, firefighters assessed the damage and quickly initiated suppression efforts.
The intense fire at the rear of the vehicle required careful handling due to the risk of explosion or further electrical malfunction. Using professional-grade extinguishing equipment, the team managed to bring the blaze under control within a short period.
Officials from the fire service later reported that the rapid response was critical in preventing further destruction. They noted that although the bus suffered extensive structural damage, the outcome could have been far worse had the flames reached the engine compartment or fuel tank.
Aytos firefighters praised the driver’s quick thinking, highlighting that his immediate decision to stop the bus and evacuate passengers was instrumental in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Local authorities arrived shortly after the fire was extinguished to inspect the scene and document the incident. Preliminary assessments reinforced the conclusion that an electrical short circuit was the most likely cause of the fire.
Additional technical examinations will be conducted to confirm this hypothesis and determine whether any maintenance issues may have contributed to the malfunction.
M-Bus is expected to conduct its own internal review to assess the condition of the bus prior to the incident. The company has not yet issued a public statement but is believed to be cooperating fully with authorities to determine what led to the failure. The burned vehicle was later transported from the roadside for further inspection.
No road closures were reported during the incident, though traffic slowed temporarily as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. The area remained secured until the damaged bus was removed and all hazards were cleared.
Residents in nearby villages expressed concern over the incident, noting that the road between Mirolyubovo and Sadievo is frequently used by commuters and transit buses. Many welcomed the efficient work of local firefighters and acknowledged the importance of regular vehicle maintenance for public transport providers.
While the incident did not result in casualties, it serves as a reminder of the risks posed by mechanical and electrical failures in high-use vehicles. Authorities have urged transport companies to maintain strict inspection schedules, particularly for older fleets.
Officials confirmed that no further danger exists and that the area is safe. Passengers from the affected bus continued their journey on a replacement vehicle following the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, but for now, the swift response of firefighters and the calm actions of those on board ensured that a potentially tragic nighttime fire ended without injury.