In the early hours of Sunday, August 24, 2025, a luxury private bus carrying 44 passengers narrowly avoided disaster on the Mumbai-Goa highway in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near the Kashedi tunnel in the Poladpur area, according to local police.
The bus was traveling from Mumbai to Malvan in Sindhudurg district when a sudden tyre burst prompted the vigilant driver to take swift action. Sensing something was amiss, he applied the emergency brakes and instructed all passengers to evacuate the vehicle. Just moments after the passengers exited, the bus erupted into flames.
Witnesses reported that the blaze rapidly spread throughout the bus, raising critical safety concerns. Fortunately, due to the timely response of both the driver and the passengers, everyone managed to reach safety before the situation escalated further. The police and fire brigade arrived promptly, cordoning off the highway and halting traffic in both directions.
As the first responders tackled the fire, an explosion from the bus’s diesel tank was heard, but luckily, all individuals had reached a secure distance by that time, and no injuries were reported. Fire brigade personnel worked diligently and successfully extinguished the flames by 3 a.m., after which vehicular traffic on the highway was allowed to resume.
Authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the incident, registering a case at the Poladpur Police Station. The police are examining the circumstances surrounding the fire and tyre burst to determine any negligence or mechanical failure.
This close call highlights the importance of driver attentiveness and emergency preparedness. Thankfully, the effective actions taken by the bus driver not only averted potential tragedy but also ensured the safety of all 44 passengers on board.
As investigations continue, authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and prepared for unforeseen circumstances on the road. This incident serves as a vital reminder of the critical need for safety measures and regular vehicle maintenance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/bus-catches-fire-on-mumbai-goa-highway-narrow-escape-for-44-passengers/article69970962.ece
Category : Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-08-24 11:34:00
