A passenger bus travelling to Chandrapur from Kathmandu was destroyed after it caught fire near Paschim Lachka in ward 4 of Chandrapur Municipality, Rautahat, on Wednesday morning.

Police said the bus caught fire after a short circuit in its battery. All passengers escaped safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Raju Karki said the bus had stopped briefly after its brakes jammed, and the fire broke out moments later.

A fire engine from Chandranigahapur, assisted by police and locals, brought the blaze under control. Traffic along the East–West Highway was halted for some time. Police said an investigation is underway.