A dramatic fire incident unfolded at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday when an Air India passenger coach suddenly erupted in flames at the busy Terminal 3. The alarming situation sent shockwaves through the airport premises as thick black smoke billowed from the vehicle.
Eyewitnesses captured startling footage showing the entire bus completely engulfed in fierce orange flames while parked near the international terminal. The intensity of the fire created a massive plume of smoke that could be seen from considerable distances across the airport complex.
Swift Emergency Response
Airport emergency services responded with remarkable speed to the developing crisis. Multiple fire tenders rushed to the scene within minutes of the alarm being raised, immediately launching firefighting operations to contain the blazing vehicle.
The quick-thinking response from airport authorities and fire personnel prevented what could have been a catastrophic situation, especially given the bus's proximity to terminal buildings and aircraft operations.
Miraculous Passenger Evacuation
In what authorities are calling a miraculous escape, all passengers aboard the bus were safely evacuated before the fire reached its peak intensity. Preliminary reports confirm that no injuries or casualties have been recorded among passengers or crew members.
"The immediate evacuation of all passengers demonstrates the effectiveness of our emergency protocols," stated an airport official familiar with the incident. "Passenger safety remained our absolute priority throughout the operation."
Investigation Underway
Aviation safety regulators have already launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the sudden fire. Technical experts are examining whether the blaze originated from an electrical short circuit, mechanical failure, or other technical malfunction.
Air India officials have assured full cooperation with the investigating agencies and emphasized their commitment to passenger safety. The airline has temporarily grounded similar coaches for thorough safety inspections as a precautionary measure.
Normal Operations Resume
Despite the dramatic incident, airport authorities confirmed that flight operations and passenger movements at Terminal 3 continued normally with minimal disruption. Additional ground staff were deployed to manage passenger transfers and maintain operational efficiency.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness at high-traffic aviation facilities like Delhi Airport, which ranks among the busiest airports in South Asia.
