Daijiworld Media Network - Thane
Thane, Apr 23: A major fire broke out in a Shivshahi bus near the busy SATIS bridge area adjoining Thane Railway Station on Thursday afternoon, triggering panic among commuters. However, all 14 passengers on board escaped unhurt after being evacuated in time.
The incident occurred around 1.28 pm when the private bus was travelling from Swargate to Vasai, officials said.
According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the fire was reported near the Dr Narayan Vishnu alias Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Foot Over Bridge in Thane (West).
Bus driver Santosh Kisan Gawli and conductor Milind Sonawane acted swiftly after noticing smoke and ensured all passengers disembarked immediately, preventing any injuries.
The blaze caused brief chaos in the high-traffic area as commuters moved away fearing the fire could spread.
Emergency response teams, including the Fire Brigade, Thane City Police and the Disaster Management Cell, rushed to the spot soon after the alert.
Firefighters deployed a fire tender, rescue vehicle and water tanker to battle the blaze. Officials said the fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 2.30 pm.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known and further investigation is under way.