BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A passenger bus operator narrowly escaped injury after the vehicle he was driving caught on fire last evening (Oct. 11).
SKNVibes understands that the motor Omnibus HA191, owned by Winfred Hanley of Buckley’s Estate and driven by Kelron Hanley, was travelling towards Basseterre’s direction along the western corridor of the island when the driver picked up the scent of fuel.
The pungency of the odour increased and this publication was reliably informed that when Hanley got to Challengers, he went off the island main road in search of a mechanic.
While still in operation of the vehicle, the engine compartment caught afire and the driver noticed that flames were emanating from under the front passenger seat, at which point he quickly disembarked.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department was summoned to the scene. However, before it arrived, members of the community attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful.
Fire Chief Everette O’Garro told SKNVibes that a unit from the Department responded to the report at about 8:53 p.m. and, on arrival at the scene, it met the engine and passenger compartments on fire.
The brigade was successful in extinguishing the fire but not before considerable damage was caused to the vehicle. Thankfully, Hanley was the only occupant aboard the vehicle at the time of incident and he managed to escape unharmed.
