Shivshahi Bus Catches Fire on Pune-Mumbai Expressway, Alert Driver Ensures Safe Evacuation of Passengers

A major fire broke out on a Shivshahi bus traveling on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway early Saturday morning, causing temporary disruption in traffic flow on the Mumbai-bound lane. The incident occurred near the Talegaon toll plaza around 9 a.m. The bus, carrying 12 passengers, suddenly caught fire, sparking panic among commuters.

Thanks to the quick thinking and alertness of the bus driver, all passengers were safely evacuated before the fire engulfed the vehicle. The driver managed to pull the bus to the side of the expressway and promptly instructed everyone to exit. Within moments, the fire spread, reducing the bus to a smoldering shell. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.

Visuals from the Pune-Mumbai Expressway: A Shivshahi bus caught fire near Talegaon this morning. Thanks to the driver’s quick action, all 12 passengers were safely evacuated without injuries. 🚨🔥 #PuneMumbaiExpressway #ShivshahiBusFire #RoadSafety #Mumbaipuneexpressway pic.twitter.com/CHcQM923XD

— Punenow News (@itspunenow) January 19, 2025

Emergency services, including a fire brigade team from the IRB, swiftly reached the site and brought the fire under control. While the incident caused significant delays, with long queues of vehicles forming on the busy expressway, traffic resumed normal operations shortly after the fire was extinguished.

This is not the first such incident on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, as cases of vehicles catching fire have been reported in the past. Authorities have reiterated the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent such occurrences.

The swift evacuation ensured a potentially tragic situation turned into a story of survival. All 12 passengers expressed relief at escaping unhurt, crediting the driver’s presence of mind for their safety.