Ahmedabad: A major accident was averted on SG Highway on Monday morning after an AMTS bus suddenly caught fire near the Sola Bhagwat crossroads, triggering panic among passengers. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.

The incident occurred at around 8:05 am when Route 501 AMTS bus (TAM 39), operated by Tank Bus Operation Pvt Ltd, was travelling from Adalaj Trimandir towards Ujala.

According to civic authorities, smoke was first noticed emerging from the engine bonnet near the driver’s cabin. Acting swiftly, the driver immediately pulled the bus over to the roadside and evacuated all passengers. Although the main power switch was turned off, the fire intensified within moments.

The bus conductor promptly alerted emergency services by dialling 112, following which fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.

The fire, reportedly caused by a wiring short circuit, completely gutted the driver’s cabin and the front portion of the bus. Nearly six seats, along with parts of the floor and ceiling, were damaged. Thick black smoke engulfed the area, briefly disrupting traffic on the busy highway stretch.

Police personnel reached the scene soon after the incident. Teams from the AMTS Flying Squad and supervisors from the Vadaj terminus were also present to assess the situation.

A forensic team has been called in to determine the exact cause of the fire. The damaged bus was moved aside using a crane and will be shifted to the depot after the forensic inspection, as per instructions from investigating officials.

It is also learnt that the civic body will issue a notice to the bus operator and impose a fine over the incident.
DeshGujarat