Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Mar 21: In a shocking incident, four employees of a printing press firm lost their lives, and 10 others sustained injuries after a tempo traveler ferrying them was allegedly set on fire by its driver in the Hinjewadi IT Park area on Wednesday morning.

The accused driver, identified as Janardan Hambardikar, reportedly committed the horrific act due to workplace disputes and unpaid wages, according to ANI.

DCP (Zone 2, Pimpri-Chinchwad) Vishal Gaikwad confirmed that Hambardikar had preplanned the crime and used benzene to ignite the vehicle, leading to an explosion and a devastating fire that left four people charred to death.

Eyewitnesses said the flames spread rapidly from the front to the back of the vehicle, giving little time for the trapped employees to escape. Those seated in the front managed to get out, while others, unable to open the rear exit, were engulfed by the inferno.

Fire brigade personnel from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation later extinguished the blaze. Police have launched a detailed probe into the case, and the accused has been taken into custody.