Jobaaj Stories
A tragic accident occurred in Pune’s Hinjewadi area on Wednesday morning when a private company’s minibus caught fire, killing four employees and injuring five others.
Fire Traps Employees Inside Minibus
The incident took place around 7:30 AM when the minibus, carrying 12 employees of Vyoms Graphics, was traveling from Warje to Hinjewadi. As the vehicle approached Dassault Systemes, a fire broke out near the driver’s seat. The driver quickly slowed down, allowing some employees to escape. However, four individuals at the rear of the bus were trapped as the emergency exit failed to open.
How the Fire Spread
According to officials from the Pimpri-Chinchwad fire brigade, the fire spread rapidly from the front to the back of the minibus, giving little time for a full evacuation. Those seated near the door managed to get out in time, but those at the rear were unable to escape.
"The fire spread quickly, and despite efforts to open the emergency exit, some employees could not get out in time," said Kanhaiya Thorat, Senior Police Inspector at the Hinjewadi Police Station.
Casualties and Injuries
Four employees were charred to death inside the minibus, while five others sustained burn injuries and were rushed to Ruby Hall Clinic for treatment. The identities of the victims are yet to be disclosed.
Police Investigation Underway
Hinjewadi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishal Gaikwad stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether safety measures were in place. Authorities are also examining why the emergency exit failed to function.
This tragic incident raises concerns about vehicle safety standards and fire prevention measures in public and private transport services.
