COIMBATORE: As many as 23 workers escaped unhurt after the company-owned bus they were travelling in caught fire following a mishap in Krishnagiri early Friday morning.

Police said the bus driven by Maheswaran (51) from Kallavi was bound for a shoe manufacturing firm at SIPCOT industrial area in Pochampalli in Krishnagiri with workers when the incident happened.

A two-wheeler coming from the opposite direction collided with the bus and overturned, throwing its two riders on the road. The two-wheeler got stuck beneath the bus, causing its petrol tank to explode.

Eventually, both the bus and the two-wheeler caught fire. The panicked passengers rushed out of the bus, while the two-wheeler rider also survived without injuries. On receiving information, the fire and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and doused the fire.

Due to the mishap, traffic was diverted on the road stretch. A case has been registered, and further inquiries are under way.