All passengers escaped unhurt as they witnessed the bus being reduced to ashes whilst passing Vizara Rubber Plantation. It was travelling from Mzuzu to Blantyre via Lakeshore Road.

Both Police and the driver of the bus Nations Tembo (49) have confirmed the incident.
"We got information from the driver of the said bus that when he had reached Vizara Forest, he noted some unusual smoke in the bus," said Nkhata-Bay Police Publicist, Igneous Esau.

"When the driver stopped the bus to check what was going on he discovered that the rear tyres were binding," added Esau.

It is reported that minutes later, some flames were seen from the bus to the awake of passengers who escaped unhurt together with all their belongings.

All efforts to put out the fire did not yield meaningful results as the whole bus was gutted down by fire. However, police have ruled out any foul play pertaining to the incident.
A recovery bus facilitated the passengers' travel to continue with their journey to Blantyre.

 An incident similar in nature involving a National Bus Company passenger service vehicle occurred last year at Mpamba Trading Centre in the district.