Pune: Seconds from Safety, Meters from Their Daily Routine—Lost Forever: Four Workers Die in Hinjawadi Bus Fire, Leaving Families Devastated

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Hinjawadi, 19th March 2025: People were left in shock after a Tempo Traveller carrying 13 workers from Vyoma Graphics in Hinjawadi caught fire while en route from Warje to the office, resulting in four deaths and six injuries. The incident occurred around 7:45 PM and has raised numerous questions, even becoming a topic of discussion in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

The visuals of the fire are harrowing, and the fact that the accident happened just 500 meters from their destination—mere seconds away from resuming their daily routine—has left everyone deeply disturbed. Adding to the shock, the vehicle had a valid fitness certificate, making the circumstances both alarming and puzzling.

The deceased have been identified as Subhash Bhosale (44, Warje), Shankar Shinde (63, Narhe), Gurudas Lokhare (44, Kothrud), and Rajan Chavan (42, Wadgaon Budruk). A common factor among them is that none were native to Pune but had migrated for work.

The injured include Janardan Hambardikar (bus driver), Vishwas Khanvilkar, Sandeep Shinde, and Vishwas Jori, while Chandrakant Malji and Pravin Nikam have sustained serious injuries. Krushnarao Godase, Manjiri Adkar, Vitthal Dighe, and Pradeep Raut managed to escape, barely. All the workers were residing in Warje and Narhe in Pune.

Vyoma Graphics, a company owned by Nitin Shah, was previously located in the Warje area before shifting to Hinjawadi Phase I a few years ago. The company provided a free bus service for its workers’ transportation. The 17-seater Traveller bus, registered as MH 14 CW 3548, departed from Warje at 7 AM to pick up the workers. After passing Wipro Circle in Hinjawadi Phase I, it caught fire just 500 meters from the Vyoma Graphics premises.

What Exactly Happened in the Hinjawadi Bus Fire?

Initially, bus driver Janardan Hambardikar suffered burns on his stomach but still attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the brakes failed to engage. In a desperate move, Janardan jumped out of the bus, which then continued for another 200 meters, scraping against the roadside before becoming engulfed in flames. As the fire spread, four people—Krushnarao Godase, Manjiri Adkar, Vitthal Dighe, and Pradeep Raut—jumped out, saving their lives.

Others, including Hambardikar, Khanvilkar, Shinde, and Jori, attempted to escape but sustained injuries. Tragically, the fire intensified, trapping four workers—Subhash Bhosale, Shankar Shinde, Gurudas Lokhare, and Raju Chavan—inside. Bhosale and Lokre struggled to open the rear door but failed. All four were engulfed in flames and died on the spot.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital in Pimpri. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as relatives identified their loved ones, their cries filling the hospital, creating an atmosphere of deep sorrow.

Issue Raised in Maharashtra Assembly

The severity of the incident reached the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s budget session, where Hemant Rasne, MLA from Pune’s Kasba Peth constituency, raised concerns. He demanded that the company provide maximum assistance to the families of the deceased and urged the government to ensure the company fulfills its responsibilities. He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

Wire Short Circuit Suspected, Investigation Underway

Senior Police Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat, in charge of Hinjawadi Police Station, told Punekar News that the Tempo Traveller belonged to Force Motors. Company representatives and RTO officials have inspected the vehicle and suspect that a wire malfunction causing a short circuit may have ignited the fire. However, nothing is confirmed yet, and their investigation is still underway.

Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Officer Sandesh Chavan stated, “The burnt Traveller vehicle was registered in 2015. It is owned by the company and has a valid fitness certificate. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Vishal Gaikwad added, “It is possible that the fire resulted from an electrical short circuit. A forensic team and the RTO are conducting investigations, and a final conclusion will be drawn after their findings.”

Pavanjit Mane, President of the Forum for IT Employees, highlighted concerns regarding transport safety. He stated, “Drivers of vehicles transporting workers often lack the training to handle emergencies. Previously, companies managed their own transport services, but financial constraints have led many to discontinue them. Employees are often unaware of emergency exits or fire safety measures in passenger vehicles. These safety features must be checked regularly.”