A Vriddhachalam-bound private bus went up in flames at the Four Roads junction in Vadalur near Cuddalore on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) night. All passengers and the crew escaped unhurt.

According to police, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. The private bus was ferrying close to 30 passengers and was going from Cuddalore to Vriddhachalam. The bus broke down when it reached Vadalur following which the bus crew evacuated the passengers.

Within a few minutes, a fire broke out in the vehicle’s battery and the bus crew ran for safety. Flames engulfed the entire vehicle, gutting the bus, and at least eight shops and 10 two-wheelers parked in the vicinity. The locals alerted the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the fire was brought under control in an hour.

Even before the fire broke out, all the passengers were evacuated, so there were no casualties, a police officer said.

A case has been registered.