Pune: PMPML Electric Bus Catches Fire Near Fatimanagar, Passengers Safely Evacuated
Pune, September 13, 2024: A Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) electric bus carrying 45 passengers caught fire near the 93 Avenue Mall at Fatimanagar Chowk, Wanowrie, around 7:30 PM on Thursday. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported in the incident.
The bus was on its scheduled route from Dhayari to Hadapsar when passengers began to notice a burning smell shortly after crossing the Race Course on Pune-Solapur Road. A vigilant two-wheeler rider also observed smoke coming from the rear of the bus and flagged down the driver near the Fatimanagar bus stop. In response, the driver quickly pulled over and instructed all passengers to exit the vehicle.
#BREAKING
— Mr. Shaz (@Wh_So_Serious) September 12, 2024
A PMPML electric bus with 45 passengers caught fire near 93 Avenue Mall at Fatimanagar Chowk, Wanowrie, around 7:30 PM Thursday.
Thankfully, all passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. #BreakingNews #Pune #ElectricBus #SafetyFirst… pic.twitter.com/axbPiOmoQf
Once the bus was safely evacuated, flames were seen erupting from the rear of the bus. Despite initial efforts to douse the fire using the onboard fire extinguishers, the blaze continued to spread. The fire brigade was called to the scene, and three fire engines were deployed to control the flames. Unfortunately, the bus was gutted by the time the fire was brought under control.
पुणे ः स्वारगेट ते हडपसर दरम्यान बीटी कवडे रोड चौकात पीएमपीच्या बसने अचानक पेट घेतला. @mataonline #pune #fire #pmpml @PMPMLPune pic.twitter.com/dWqiuo0yxD
— Prashant Aher (@PrashantAherMT) September 12, 2024
Fireman Nilesh Lonkar stated that the fire was likely caused by a short circuit. Wanowrie Police Station inspector Sanjay Patange commended the bus driver for his quick thinking, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers before the situation worsened.
The incident caused a brief traffic jam in the area, which was cleared with assistance from the local police. An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is underway.
