Fire Breaks Out in Pune-Bound Bus with IIT Bombay Students Onboard, All Safe

Satara, 5th March 2025: A sleeper coach bus carrying around 50 passengers, including students from IIT Bombay, was completely gutted after a fire broke out near the Anewadi toll booth on the Satara-Pune highway on Wednesday morning. Due to the quick thinking of the driver, all passengers managed to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 9:30 AM when the driver noticed smoke coming from the rear section of the bus. Reacting immediately, he pulled over onto the service road and instructed passengers to exit the bus.

Some travelers, realizing the urgency of the situation, left their belongings behind, while others managed to retrieve them before the fire spread.

Firefighters and police officials rushed to the scene after being alerted by locals. District Traffic Branch Police Inspector Vikas Dhas and Assistant Police Inspector Ramesh Garje from Bhuinj Police Station ensured that all passengers were safe and arranged alternate transportation for them.

“The fire spread quickly, but thanks to the bus driver’s timely action, everyone was able to exit safely. Our team responded swiftly to manage the situation and assist the passengers,” said Inspector Vikas Dhas.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, authorities have launched an investigation. No formal complaint had been filed with the Bhuinj Police Station at the time of reporting.

Passengers, including students from IIT Bombay, expressed relief at escaping unscathed. “It was a terrifying moment, but the driver reacted quickly, which saved all of us,” said one of the students.