Pune: Volvo Bus Burns Down on Pune-Satara Highway Near Khed Shivapur, Passengers Jump to Save Thier Lives
Pune: A major fire broke out in a private Volvo AC bus on the Pune-Satara Highway near Khed Shivapur on Thursday afternoon, triggering panic among passengers and disrupting traffic on the busy route. The incident occurred around midday as the bus, reportedly traveling from Kolhapur to Pune, began to emit smoke near the engine area.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire vehicle within minutes. Around 20 to 25 passengers were on board at the time. Acting quickly, the driver stopped the bus and helped the passengers evacuate. Most of them jumped out of the vehicle in time, escaping the blaze. A few sustained minor injuries during the commotion but were otherwise safe.
Visuals shared by news outlets show thick smoke and intense flames consuming the luxury coach, with alarmed passengers moving away from the scene. By the time fire brigade and ambulance services arrived, the bus had already been reduced to ashes. The delay in emergency response raised concerns among onlookers, many of whom had gathered on the roadside to witness the fire.
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While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, initial suspicions point to overheating of the engine, possibly aggravated by the rising temperatures across the state. Officials from the fire brigade and police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Traffic on the Pune-Satara highway was temporarily disrupted, but normal flow resumed after the charred remains of the bus were cleared.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the safety standards maintained by private bus operators, especially during the peak summer months, and the need for prompt emergency response mechanisms.
