A public transport bus operating on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Surat caught fire on Friday evening, causing a major scare but resulting in no injuries to passengers. The incident occurred in the bustling Amroli area, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and briefly disrupting local traffic.
Timely Evacuation Prevents Tragedy
The frightening episode unfolded around 7:30 pm on Friday near the Amroli crossroad. The bus was on its regular route, travelling from Kosad to Surat Railway Station, with more than 20 passengers on board. The driver demonstrated remarkable presence of mind upon noticing smoke emanating from the vehicle. He immediately brought the bus to a halt and facilitated the swift and safe evacuation of every passenger before the situation could escalate.
"The bus caught fire rapidly, but due to timely action, all passengers got down safely," stated an official from the Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES). The official added that their team reached the spot within minutes of being alerted, but by then, the flames had already engulfed the entire vehicle.
Swift Firefighting Response Limits Damage
A team from the Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) rushed to the location promptly. The firefighters worked efficiently to douse the blaze, bringing it under control and preventing it from spreading further or causing any collateral damage. Their swift action is credited with averting what could have been a major mishap on a busy Friday evening.
The fire led to a temporary disruption of traffic flow in the vicinity as emergency services worked at the spot. The sight of the burning bus naturally triggered panic among onlookers and commuters in the area.
Short Circuit Suspected as Cause
While the exact cause of the fire will be determined after a detailed technical inspection, preliminary investigations point towards a short circuit in the bus's electrical wiring as the likely trigger. Authorities have emphasized that a conclusive report will only be available after a thorough probe is completed.
This incident in Surat has once again brought attention to vehicle safety, especially in public transport systems. The successful evacuation without any casualties highlights the critical importance of alert drivers and well-rehearsed emergency protocols.
