Panic gripped passengers when the rear steps of a government bus suddenly collapsed near Avathipalayam, close to Pallipalayam, on Wednesday morning.
The mishap occurred on the Erode–Coimbatore government bus (Route No. K1), which was operating via Kumarapalayam and Pallipalayam with over 30 passengers on board.
As the bus reached Avathipalayam, the rear steps broke off and fell onto the road, sending shockwaves among passengers. The alert driver immediately stopped the vehicle, and all passengers were safely evacuated. They were later accommodated on an alternative bus arranged by the Transport Department.
Passengers said a major tragedy was averted as no one was standing on the steps at the time of the incident.
The sudden collapse created a commotion among locals who gathered at the scene. Transport officials have launched an inquiry into the incident and are expected to inspect the bus for maintenance lapses.
