Fire Erupts in Private Bus Near Rajasthan-Gujarat Border, Passengers Injured

Ahmedabad, March 13: A private bus caught fire early Friday morning near the Rajasthan-Gujarat border, resulting in one passenger suffering serious injuries and raising significant concerns about passenger safety. Fortunately, other passengers were quickly evacuated, preventing a major tragedy.

According to reports, a newly launched private bus service connecting Nachna and Ahmedabad narrowly escaped a severe accident on its third day of operation when a short circuit occurred in the air conditioning unit near the Nenawa area of Dhanera.

Local residents reported that toxic smoke rapidly filled the bus, and within moments, flames engulfed the vehicle, causing panic among the passengers. Thanks to the quick actions of the driver and conductor, all passengers were promptly evacuated from the bus.

However, amidst the chaos, one passenger sustained injuries and burns and was immediately admitted to a hospital in Dhanera. The fire was so intense that the bus was severely damaged within minutes.

Local administrative officials and police arrived promptly to assess the situation. The injured passenger received initial treatment in Dhanera before being referred to Palanpur.

Doctors have stated that the passenger’s condition is critical. Several other passengers suffered minor injuries and received first aid.

Nirmal Raiyani, the operator of Swagat Travels, mentioned that the bus service between Nachna and Ahmedabad had recently commenced. The fire spread so quickly that passengers’ belongings, important documents, and mobile phones were completely destroyed, making it difficult for families to establish contact.

Raiyani stated, “As soon as we received news of the incident, we immediately dispatched our team to the site. Our priority now is to establish contact with the passengers and inform their families.”

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of buses equipped with makeshift air conditioning systems still operating on the roads. Transportation experts warn that the use of non-standard wiring during bus construction and AC installation, along with the lack of functional emergency exits, can turn such vehicles into “moving coffins.”