A major disaster was narrowly avoided on Ahmedabad's busy SG Road this Sunday. An AMTS bus carrying dozens of passengers suddenly caught fire near the Sola Bhagwat crossroads, creating a scene of panic and chaos.
Passengers Jump to Safety as Flames Erupt
Commuters experienced a terrifying moment when flames and thick smoke burst from the front of the bus. The immediate reaction was one of sheer panic as passengers scrambled to exit the vehicle to save their lives.
How the Incident Unfolded
The AMTS Route 501 bus was traveling from Adalaj Trimandir to Sarkhej Ujala with approximately fifty people on board. As it passed through the crowded junction, officials from the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services reported that smoke first appeared from the engine bonnet near the driver's cabin.
Alert to the danger, the driver acted quickly. He pulled the bus over to the roadside and instructed all passengers to evacuate through the rear door. This prompt action proved crucial.
Swift Response Prevents Tragedy
Every single passenger managed to get off the bus safely within minutes. The conductor immediately called the emergency helpline 112 to alert police and fire services. Meanwhile, the driver switched off the main power supply before exiting the vehicle himself.
Soon after the evacuation, flames completely engulfed the engine area and the front portion of the bus. The situation escalated rapidly once everyone was clear of the vehicle.
Firefighters Battle Blaze on Busy Road
Two fire tenders rushed to the spot to combat the fierce blaze. Fire officials worked diligently to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading further.
Extensive Damage to Bus
The fire caused significant damage to multiple parts of the bus. According to fire officials, the driver's cabin, engine compartment, six seats, and sections of both the floor and ceiling were destroyed in the incident.
Remarkably, despite the extensive damage to the vehicle, there were no casualties or injuries reported among passengers or crew members.
Traffic Disruption and Investigation
Traffic on SG Road experienced brief disruptions during the firefighting operations as emergency vehicles occupied the area. Authorities are now investigating the exact cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing toward a mechanical fault in the bus.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness in public transportation systems.
