Pune Minibus Accident: Survivor Recounts Horror – ‘Jumped Out, Moments Later Bus Burst into Flames’
Pune Minibus Accident: Survivor Recounts Horror – ‘Jumped Out, Moments Later Bus Burst into Flames’
A tragic minibus fire in Hinjewadi claimed four lives and left six others with severe burns on Wednesday morning. The vehicle, carrying 14 employees of Vyoma Graphics and a driver, caught fire around 7:30 AM, allegedly due to an electric short circuit. Survivors recounted their harrowing escape, with some jumping out just moments before the flames consumed the bus.
Survivors’ Accounts: A Narrow Escape
“I managed to jump out through a window to save my life. Just moments later, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames,” said Pradip Raut, one of the survivors.
Another survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled, “I was sitting in the front seat when I first noticed smoke. Within seconds, the flames started spreading. The driver was the first to jump out, and I followed. Some of my colleagues also escaped by breaking windows.”
Fatalities and Injuries
The four deceased employees have been identified as:
- Shankar Shinde (60) – Supervisor
- Raju Chavan (40) – Printing Machine Operator
- Gurudas Lokhare (40) – Courier Staff
- Subhash Bhosale (42) – Paper-Cutting Operator
The injured were rushed to Ruby Hall Clinic, Hinjewadi, where two remain in critical condition with over 40% burns, while others are receiving specialized care. Two severely burned victims were later shifted to Surya Sahyadri Hospital, Shivajinagar.
How the Fire Spread Rapidly
According to Bharat Kapse, Divisional Fire Officer (MIDC Pune Region), the fire started in the engine and quickly reached the driver’s cabin. As the minibus was in motion, flames spread rapidly, igniting seat covers and foam. Additionally, locked windows worsened the situation by trapping heat and smoke inside.
Families in Distress
Relatives of the victims expressed grief over their loss. Yuvraj Misal, brother-in-law of Raju Chavan, said, “He was the sole breadwinner for his wife and two school-going children. His elderly parents depended entirely on him.”
Similarly, Ravindra Lohkare, brother of Gurudas Lokhare, shared, “Gurudas’s wife suffers from a chronic illness. He managed everything for the family. His loss is devastating.”
Government’s Response & Compensation Demand
BJP MLA Hemant Rasane raised the issue in the assembly, urging the government to investigate the cause of the fire and provide necessary aid to the victims’ families. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar also called for immediate government intervention.
Current Status of the Injured
Behram Khodaiji, CEO of Ruby Hall Clinic, stated, “Six patients were admitted, two of whom sustained over 40% burns and remain critical. One has 20% burns, while another with 5% burns is unconscious. One patient with minor burns is stable.”
Dr. Jaising Shinde, General Surgeon at Surya Sahyadri Hospital, confirmed that two male patients are undergoing treatment for deep burns, with one suffering from 35-40% burns on the face and body.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased were sent to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital for post-mortem examination. Vyoma Graphics has yet to announce any compensation for the victims’ families.
Investigation Ongoing
Hinjewadi police are conducting a detailed investigation into the fire. While an electric short circuit is suspected, officials are exploring other possibilities to determine the exact cause of the tragic incident.
