Pune: A Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) electric bus caught fire today around 7:30 PM near Kalu Bai Chowk on Solapur Road, in front of 93 Avenue Mall.
Fortunately, all 40 to 45 passengers aboard the bus were safely evacuated, avoiding any injuries or casualties. The fire was later controlled by the Pune Fire Department, which dispatched three fire trucks to the scene.
The bus, numbered MH 12 SF 0026, was traveling from Dhayari to Hadapsar. As the bus neared the Racecourse area, passengers reported a burning smell to the conductor, raising concerns. When the bus reached Fatima Nagar, a passing motorcyclist informed the driver that smoke was emerging from the bus.
The driver immediately acted, pulling the bus over to the side of the road and safely evacuating all passengers. Soon after, a small fire broke out at the back of the bus. Attempts were made to use the onboard fire extinguishers, but they failed to operate.
With no other options, bystanders provided additional fire extinguishers from their vehicles to help, but the fire rapidly intensified. In just a few moments, the entire bus was consumed by flames, leaving it completely gutted.
The fire department quickly dispatched teams from Kondhwa, BT Kawade Road, and Hadapsar fire stations. After arriving at the scene, they managed to control the fire.
The initial investigation suggests that a short circuit in the electric bus may have been the cause of the fire, although further investigation is required to confirm this.
Nilesh Lonkar, a representative from the fire department, stated, "We received the alert immediately and reached the scene in time to bring the fire under control, thus preventing any significant danger."
Senior police inspector Sanjay Patange of Wanawadi Police Station also reached the spot to manage the crowd and ensure smooth traffic flow. Due to his timely efforts, traffic congestion in the area was quickly resolved.
The fire was brought under control thanks to the coordinated efforts of fire personnel, including Nilesh Lonkar, Deepak Kachare, Mohan Sanas, Ravi Bartakke, Anurag Patil, Kunal Khode, and Ramraj Bagal.