Pune: Hinjawadi Minibus Fire – Faulty Emergency Exit, Survivors’ Testimonies, RTO Findings, and Government Response
Pune, March 20, 2025 – A day after the tragic minibus fire in Hinjewadi that claimed four lives and left five injured, new details have emerged regarding the cause of the fire, survivors’ experiences, and the official response from authorities.
Faulty Emergency Exit Led to Casualties
The fire broke out around 7:30 AM on Wednesday while 14 employees and a driver were traveling to work at Vyoma Graphics. Police confirmed that the emergency exit door at the rear of the vehicle failed to open, preventing many from escaping. Survivors recalled that those seated at the front managed to jump out, but those at the back were trapped as flames engulfed the minibus.
“The fire spread so fast that employees who managed to step out couldn’t rescue those who were inside,” a Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire official stated.
Eyewitness and Survivor Accounts
Pradip Raut, one of the survivors, recounted, “I managed to jump out through a window to save my life. Just moments later, the entire vehicle was in flames.” Another survivor said, “I didn’t think the flames would spread so fast. Fortunately, I survived by jumping out.”
Passengers sitting near the front acted quickly and escaped through the main door. One witness stated that the driver, Janardan Hambardikar, panicked and jumped out while the vehicle was still in motion, leading to it moving driverless for nearly 200 meters before crashing into a tree.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as:
- Shankar Shinde (60) – Supervisor
- Raju Chavan (40) – Printing Machine Operator
- Gurudas Lokhare (40) – Courier Person
- Subhash Bhosale (42) – Paper-Cutting Operator
Condition of the Injured
Six employees were rushed to Ruby Hall Clinic in Hinjewadi for emergency medical care. According to hospital officials:
- Two patients suffered over 40% burns and are in critical condition.
- One patient sustained 20% burns and remains unconscious.
- Another patient with 5% burns is also unconscious.
- One patient with minor burns is stable.
Two of the critically injured were later transferred to Surya Sahyadri Hospital in Shivajinagar, where doctors are closely monitoring their condition.
Cause of Fire – RTO’s Preliminary Findings
A short circuit in the wiring under the driver’s seat has been identified as the likely cause of the fire, according to a preliminary investigation by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Sandesh Chavan, Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Officer, stated, “Faulty wiring, coupled with prolonged use of the air-conditioning system, may have triggered the fire. The rapid spread was exacerbated by highly flammable materials used in the vehicle’s interiors.”
The ill-fated vehicle was a 2015 model and had valid permits, insurance, and a fitness certificate at the time of the incident.
Government and Political Response
BJP MLA Hemant Rasane raised the issue in the state assembly, urging the government to take strict action. “The state government should direct the concerned company to extend financial aid to affected families and investigate the cause of the fire.”
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar assured that the government would take serious note of the tragedy and provide necessary assistance.
Families of Victims Left Devastated
The victims’ families are struggling to come to terms with their loss. Yuvraj Misal, brother-in-law of Raju Chavan, said, “He had two school-going children, and his wife is a homemaker. His elderly parents in Kolhapur depended on him entirely.”
Ravindra Lohkare, brother of Gurudas Lokhare, added, “His wife suffers from a chronic illness, and he was the sole breadwinner. The family is now shattered.”
Experts Demand Improved Vehicle Safety Standards
Transport experts have called for stricter safety regulations, including:
- A committee for vehicle quality testing to assess commercial vehicle safety.
- Mandatory fire detection systems and sound alarms in public transport vehicles.
- Regulations on modifications like high-powered lights and air-conditioning systems that could lead to overheating.
Experts believe that implementing these measures can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
What’s Next?
Authorities have sent the minibus for further forensic examination. Meanwhile, the Vyoma Graphics company has yet to announce compensation for the affected families. Police are continuing their investigation to determine liability and whether negligence played a role in the accident.
