THE Bureau of Fire Protection is currently investigating what caused a passenger bus to catch fire while traversing the Sayre Highway in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon over the weekend.

A Rural Transit Mindanao Incorporated (RTMI) bus with plate number KVW 703 was bound for Kibawe, Bukidnon when it caught fire around 1:44 p.m. Sunday, August 4.

Police said the bus driver heard an igniting sound from the bus's engine as black smoke started billowing behind the driver's seat.

The driver was able to maneuver and stop the bus on the roadside.

Authorities said the driver and the 13 passengers were unharmed.

Firefighters arrived to control and put out the fire. The cost of damage has yet to be determined.

"As per Bureau of Fire (Protection), ongoing pa ang kanilang investigation and i-refer pa nila sa expert sa makina nga gamit sa bus," Malaybalay City police chief Colonel Rosalyn Cabrigas said. (Alwen Saliring)