Pune: PMPML Bus Catches Fire in Akurdi; Driver Saves 15 Passengers Just in Time
Akurdi, 16th November 2025: A major accident was averted in Pimpri Chinchwad on Sunday afternoon after a PMPML bus heading from Pimpri to Bhosari caught fire near Lokhande Kamgar Bhavan around 12:45 pm. The bus was extensively damaged, but all 15 passengers, including the driver and conductor, escaped unharmed due to the driver’s quick thinking.
The incident occurred shortly after the bus departed Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk and moved towards Nehru Nagar. As it approached Kamgar Bhavan, the driver noticed smoke emerging from the engine compartment. Acting swiftly, he opened the doors and alerted passengers, ensuring everyone exited before the fire intensified.
The Pimpri Fire Station team of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) rushed to the spot after receiving an emergency call. On arrival, firefighters cordoned off the area and launched an immediate operation to control the blaze. The flames, fuelled by engine oil, spread rapidly, engulfing the rear section of the bus. Fire personnel managed to bring the situation under control within minutes, preventing the fire from reaching the CNG system.
Traffic in the surrounding area came to a standstill as the firefighting operation progressed. Police and fire officials jointly cleared the road once the blaze was extinguished.
PCMC Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil visited the spot and reviewed the situation. “The prompt response of the fire department prevented a major disaster. The entire team’s performance is commendable,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Khot highlighted the importance of immediate action. “Every second counts in fire incidents. Our team reached quickly and brought the situation under control. Citizen safety is our priority,” he said.
Fire Officer Rishikant Chipade, who led the operation, said the fire could have escalated dangerously. “There was oil in the engine area, and if the CNG had ignited, the situation would have been serious. Our team ensured no one was trapped and controlled the fire within minutes,” he said.
The firefighting team included Deputy Fire Officer Gautam Ingvale, Leading Fireman Shahaji Kopnar, Machine Operator Mayur Kumbhar, and personnel Atul More, Prakash Gavhane, Pooja Walgude, Omkar Gangad, Harshal Pawar, Mahesh Garad, Sarita Jamnekar and Vaibhav Sonawane.
Officials said the exact cause of the engine fire is yet to be determined. The fire department has urged motorists to immediately halt their vehicles if they notice smoke or unusual sounds, and to call the emergency helpline 101 without delay.
