A major fire broke out in a private luxury bus carrying IIT Mumbai students on the Pune-Bangalore National Highway near Anewadi toll plaza on Wednesday morning at around 10 am. Fortunately, a major disaster was averted as the driver took precautions and immediately evacuated 32 boys and girls from the bus.

The students, who were on their way to Satara to visit a project at Suzlon Company in Chalkewadi, Satara taluka, were traveling in a private luxury bus. After moving some distance from the Anewadi toll plaza, the driver noticed that the back of the bus was on fire. Taking immediate action, the bus driver diverted the bus to the side of the road and instructed the students to get off.

Students took another bus

The students were frightened as the bus suddenly caught fire, but they quickly evacuated with their bags and belongings. Locals rushed to the scene and started relief work, while informing the fire department. Firefighters from Wai and Shirwal arrived promptly and managed to control the fire. The seats inside the bus were completely burnt, but fortunately, no one was injured.

Police officers from the District Transport Branch and Bhuinj Police Station also arrived at the site and completed the necessary paperwork. The teachers, along with the students, arranged for another luxury bus, and the students continued their journey to Chalkewadi for their project. The incident was registered at Bhuinj Police Station later in the night.