A private luxury bus was completely destroyed after it caught fire near the Gadre petrol pump at Sakhrapa Jadhavwadi in Sangameshwar taluka in the early hours of the day. The incident took place at around 3:30 am, creating panic among passengers. Fortunately, all those on board managed to escape safely, preventing a major tragedy. The bus was en route from Pune to Ratnagiri with approximately 30 passengers. The timely response ensured that no casualties or injuries were reported. The sudden blaze, however, led to the complete loss of the vehicle, causing substantial financial damage and leaving the bus entirely reduced to ashes.
According to available information, the bus was being driven by Govind Dhondiram Salunkhe, a 35-year-old resident of Latur. The vehicle, bearing registration number NL 01 B 2442, had departed from Pune on Thursday evening at around 6 pm. As it approached the Gadre petrol pump area near Sakhrapa Jadhavwadi at around 3:30 am, the driver noticed flames emerging from the vehicle. Acting swiftly, he immediately brought the bus to a halt and ensured that all passengers were evacuated without delay. His alertness and quick thinking played a crucial role in preventing injuries and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
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Preliminary assessment suggests that the fire may have been caused due to a short circuit in the vehicle. The fire brigade team from Devrukh reached the spot promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control. Despite their efforts, the bus was completely gutted in the incident. Upon receiving information, police personnel from the Sakhrapa outpost, including Police Sub-Inspector Pramod Waghate, Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Shantaram Pandere, Head Constable Mansavi Pawaskar, and driver Tanaji Patil, rushed to the location. They took immediate steps to divert traffic and provided necessary assistance to the stranded passengers at the scene.