Hinjawadi Bus Tragedy: Police Push for Driver Behavior Checks and Emergency Training
Hinjawadi, 22nd March 2025: In the wake of Hinjawadi bus fire incident that claimed four lives and left others critically injured, Pimpri-Chinchwad police have issued directives to transport service providers to improve communication with drivers and prioritize their mental well-being. The police have emphasized the importance of recognizing behavioral changes in drivers and providing them with proper training on handling emergencies, including fire incidents.
The call for enhanced safety measures comes after an alarming case involving a bus driver employed by Vyom Graphics, a printing press company in Hinjawadi. Allegedly, the driver, enraged over salary disputes and conflicts with workers, plotted to set fire to the company bus using chemicals. The shocking incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of employees relying on transport services in the industrial and IT hub of Hinjawadi, where thousands of workers commute daily across three shifts.
In response, Senior Inspector Kanhaiyya Thorat of Hinjawadi police station convened an urgent meeting with representatives of 35 transport service providers on Wednesday. During the meeting, police officials stressed the need for companies to maintain regular communication with their drivers, understand their grievances, and monitor their mental health.
“Drivers operate under challenging conditions, navigating traffic congestion and dealing with frequent rule violations by other motorists. If they face disputes with their employers or colleagues, the stress can escalate into serious incidents. Transport firms must actively engage with drivers, address their concerns, and ensure they receive the necessary support,” police officials advised during the meeting.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for robust safety protocols for employee transport services. Authorities have urged companies to implement better driver management practices, conduct regular behavioral assessments, and enhance security measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
