Watch Ashok Leyland bus in Dubai withstands missile hit: Netizens say Khamenei should have trusted bus instead of Chinese bunkers

In a strange twist amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Indian-made Ashok Leyland bus has become an unlikely hero on social media. The vehicle parked on the road to Dubai received a direct hit from the debris of an Iranian missile during retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf countries yesterday. However, it was standing tall only with its broken windows and collapsed rear; There was no fire, no explosion, no surrender. Videos of the durable bus went viral, sparking a wave of pride among Indians and humorous posts targeting Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incident came to light on March 1, when Iran launched missile and drone bombardment in response to joint US-Israeli attacks that killed Khamenei and targeted key Iranian sites.

The UAE’s air defenses intercepted most incoming threats, but falling debris caused chaos in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and damaged landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab hotel, the international airport and even residential areas.

Eyewitness images circulating online show the aftermath: twisted pieces of metal scattered across the asphalt, some still smoldering, and workers in vests survey the area. The star of the show? one white Ashok Leyland The oyster bus has its back split open, but its frame remains intact. The caption on the clip reads, “Missile debris fell on the road to Dubai.”

However, there were no passengers on the ship at that time. Social media users were quick to respond to the viral video. One post joked: “If Khamenei had known before, he would have been alive today if he had hidden himself in the Ashok Leyland bus, but he relied on Chinese tech bunkers and is no longer so.”

Another said, “Ashok Leyland has been roaming Indian roads for 50 years, Iranian missile is a jujube for that.”
And then there’s this gem: “Why waste weapons? Send Ashok Leyland buses that can be reused, repaired and road tested for combat conditions.”
Others emphasized the “made in India” perspective. “Iranian missile hit an Ashok Leyland bus in Dubai. And guess what? No major damage. This is Indian engineering. This is the power of Ashok Leyland. While the world talks about destruction, India is quietly proving its manufacturing might,” wrote one user.
Ashok Leyland, the Chennai-based heavyweight of India’s commercial vehicle industry, has long been known for its rugged designs suitable for harsh terrains. The company exports buses to the UAE, which are widely seen as transporting workers. This unintentional “stress test” might be the best promotion they could ever think of.