A fire gutted nine buses, including three Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s (MSRTC) air-conditioned semi-luxury Shivshahi buses and 6 private buses, at the parking lot of a garage located on Pune-Satara road at Shindewadi at 10 am on Sunday. The gutted vehicles include three Tempo Travellers. The garage workshop caters to body building , repairs and chassis making works related to heavy vehicles.
According to the fire brigade officials at Katraj division, they received a call around 10.06 am and by the time the firefighters reached the spot, the buses were gutted. Fire brigade officials on condition of anonymity said that they were informed late about the incident.
The blaze damaged 12 other buses parked at garage before the city fire brigade swung into action and controlled the flames.
Prashant Ranpise, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) fire brigade chief, said that the fire was brought under control within an hour. According to Ranpise, the buses were parked in the garage for maintenance and repairs.
“The fire seems to have taken place due to short circuit, but probe will reveal the exact cause,” he said. The thick smoke billowing out of the area spread panic among residents and commuters. The fire brigade personnel had called the local police station staff to assist them in their operations.
Fire officer Sanjay Ramteke, who was present on the spot, said that the reason behind the fire is being investigated. “The garage owner said that at the time of the incident many employees were absent as they had walked out of the garage to have tea.”
{{/usCountry}}Fire officer Sanjay Ramteke, who was present on the spot, said that the reason behind the fire is being investigated. “The garage owner said that at the time of the incident many employees were absent as they had walked out of the garage to have tea.”
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