A tragedy was narrowly avoided just outside Benevento: a train arriving from Campobasso was completely engulfed in flames. The 30 passengers miraculously escaped with only minor burns and injuries for about ten of them.
Benevento – An inferno of flames and smoke erupted yesterday evening, Friday, October 24, along the Telesina state road, a few kilometers from the capital of Sannio. A private bus, traveling from Campobasso to Benevento, suddenly caught fire, transforming into a glowing torch on the highway.
The prompt response of the approximately thirty passengers on board was crucial in averting a massacre. Fortunately, by the time the firefighters from the Benevento provincial command arrived, alerted by a distress call around 19:15 PM, all passengers had already abandoned the burning vehicle.
The toll: minor injuries and rush to hospital
Despite the panic, fortunately, the injuries were minor. Ten people were transferred to the San Pio Hospital in Benevento for evaluation. The injuries, which were minor, were primarily caused by the efforts to escape: minor burns and cuts to the hands, presumably caused by those who, with great courage, attempted to break the windows to facilitate the escape of the others on board.
When firefighters extinguished the last blaze, all that remained of the bus was a blackened, unrecognizable carcass, a testament to the violence of the fire.
Traffic jam and investigations underway
The emergency had an immediate impact on traffic. The Telesina highway, a notoriously busy artery, was first closed and then partially reopened, causing significant disruption and hours-long traffic jams. In addition to firefighters and ambulances, law enforcement personnel also responded to the scene to manage traffic and conduct initial investigations.
Investigations are currently underway to reconstruct the events of the incident and determine the cause of the fire in the vehicle, owned by a company based in Benevento. The most likely hypothesis is a sudden technical failure, but only a thorough analysis of the vehicle's remains will provide definitive answers.
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