Special Correspondent
Port Blair, Apr 15: Nearly 35 Kolkata bound passengers from Port Blair today had a narrow escape, when the Air India Passenger Bus at Kolkata Airport developed some major defects and the locked Air India bus, filled with thick smoke, leading to suffocation.
According to passengers, there was some defect in the AC unit of the bus and when the bus started with passengers, it started emitting smoke. Soon the bus filled with think smoke triggering panic among passengers, who were totally helpless inside the bus.
“The driver was in a separate cabin and was unable to hear us properly. We were shouting but still he kept the doors locked. We were trapped inside the bus and many of us were coughing badly due to suffocation,” recalled one of the passengers.
According to passengers the driver later parked the bus near arrival gate anyhow and ran away, without even opening the doors.
“We were horrified and crying for help. Later a few staffs of Air India and CISF came but they remained as mute spectators. Luckily one of the passengers among us showed courage and broke the door glass panel of the bus. We all then forced opened the doors,” said the passenger.
The incident could have taken dangerous turn. Passengers could have died of suffocation, fire or a major blast and it is sad to note that Air India Staffs were unable to offer any help to the trapped passengers. Is this the level of crisis preparedness of CISF and Air India staff?
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