Pune: A moving Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) electric bus caught fire on Friday morning in the Chakan Industrial Area, triggering panic among commuters and workers in the vicinity. The incident took place outside the Mahindra & Mahindra plant. The driver brought the bus to an immediate halt upon noticing the fire and ensured its 50 passengers disembark immediately, thereby averting a major tragedy.
According to preliminary information, the smoke caused by a short circuit was detected around 11 am. By the time fire brigade personnel reached the spot, flames had intensified and engulfed the vehicle. Within minutes, the electric bus was reduced to ashes.
According to officials, at least 10 to 12 cases of PMPML buses catching fire have been reported in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad over the past year. PMPML authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.