Major Fire Engulfs Ranchi's Khadgarha Bus Stand, Six Buses Reduced to Ashes
A major fire broke out at the Khadgarha bus stand in Kantatoli, Ranchi, on Sunday, resulting in the complete destruction of six empty passenger buses. According to police reports, the incident occurred without any casualties, but the financial damage is estimated to be substantial, potentially running into crores of rupees.
Sequence of Events and Eyewitness Accounts
The fire started when one of the parked buses caught fire, with flames quickly spreading to adjacent vehicles. An eyewitness described how all the buses were stationed next to each other on one side of the stand, allowing the fire to singe the rest in rapid succession. Police have stated that the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though initial suspicions point towards a possible short-circuit as a contributing factor.
Firefighting Efforts and Local Criticisms
In response to the emergency, as many as six fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to douse the flames. However, locals have raised concerns about the delayed arrival of the fire department, claiming that immediate notification did not result in timely assistance. This delay, they argue, exacerbated the damage to the buses. One bus staff member at the spot recounted, "We immediately tried to extinguish the fire using water and available sand nearby, but the fire was massive. The buses belonged to different owners, and the damage could be in crores."
Recurring Incidents and Calls for Improved Safety Measures
Santosh Singh, a bus driver, highlighted a troubling pattern, noting that similar fire incidents occur at the stand every year. He urged the administration to consider deploying a fire tender on a 24/7 basis as a ready backup to prevent future major incidents. This call for enhanced fire safety measures underscores the need for proactive steps to safeguard public property and prevent such disasters in urban areas like Ranchi.
The incident has sparked discussions about fire safety protocols at public transport hubs, with authorities expected to review and strengthen preventive measures in the wake of this destructive event.
