Pimpri PMPML Bus Fire: 15 Commuters Safely Rescued After Driver’s Quick Response
Pimpri PMPML Bus Fire: 15 Commuters Safely Rescued After Driver’s Quick Response
A PMPML bus travelling from Pimpri towards Bhosari caught fire near Kamgar Bhavan at Pimpri Chowk around 11:45 am on Sunday. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Fire Brigade reached the spot immediately and brought the blaze under control. Although the bus suffered extensive damage, all 15 passengers were safely evacuated due to the alertness of the bus driver, preventing any casualties.
According to officials, the bus had halted at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk before proceeding towards Nehrunagar. As the vehicle approached Kamgar Bhavan, the driver noticed smoke rising from the engine compartment. Acting swiftly, he opened the doors, alerted the commuters, and safely evacuated all passengers, including the conductor.
The Fire Brigade dispatched a team from the Pimpri station as soon as a fire alert was received. Upon arrival, the team cleared the surrounding area and immediately began firefighting operations. The flames had rapidly intensified after spreading through the engine area, but trained personnel managed to completely extinguish the fire within minutes.
The incident caused temporary traffic congestion, which was later managed jointly by the Fire Brigade and Traffic Police. Senior PCMC officials, including Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil, visited the site and reviewed the situation.
The fire-fighting team included Deputy Fire Officer Gautam Ingawale, Leading Fireman Shahaji Kopnar, Driver Mayur Kumbhar, and fire personnel Atul More, Prakash Gawhane, Pooja Valgude, Onkar Gangad, Harshal Pawar, Mahesh Garad, Sarita Jamnekar, and Vaibhav Sonawane.
The Fire Department has urged citizens to stop their vehicles immediately and follow safety protocols if they notice smoke or unusual sounds, and to call the emergency number 101 without delay.
Pradeep Jambhale Patil, Additional Commissioner, PCMC:
“The timely action and quick response of the Fire Brigade prevented the fire from spreading and avoided a major disaster. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, but the team’s coordinated effort is commendable.”
Sandeep Khot, Deputy Commissioner, PCMC:
“Every second is critical during fire incidents. Our team reached the spot immediately and took control of the situation. Public safety is our top priority, and with proper training and equipment, a major accident was prevented.”
Rishikant Chipade, Fire Officer, PCMC:
“Our team rushed to the scene as soon as we received the alert. We first ensured that no passengers were trapped. Since the fire originated in the engine area containing oil, and with the risk of CNG ignition, the situation could have turned severe. However, coordinated and disciplined efforts helped us bring the fire under control within minutes.”
