In a heart-stopping moment, approximately 60 lives hung in the balance as a speeding RSRTC bus caught fire mid-journey in Jaipur on February 27. The dramatic event near Mansarovar RICO intersection left the double-decker vehicle a charred wreck, yet not a single passenger suffered harm.
Traveling from Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp to Kekri, the bus showed initial signs of trouble with smoke at 2:40 PM. Flames soon erupted, forcing the driver to halt abruptly on the roadside. Passengers recounted the chaos: shouts filled the air as they rushed toward exits, guided by the alert conductor.
Local fire services responded within minutes, deploying two fire engines. Shakuntala Saini from Mansarovar Fire Station revealed early findings suggest faulty wiring sparked the inferno, escalating to the engine bay.
The firefighting effort lasted 30 intense minutes, by which time the bus was beyond salvage. Traffic police managed the scene efficiently, ensuring no further risks. Officials praised the quick thinking of the crew and passengers alike.
This incident highlights vulnerabilities in older buses and prompts calls for stricter safety audits. RSRTC has assured enhanced inspections, while investigators dig deeper into potential lapses. The narrow escape serves as a stark reminder of fire safety protocols on roads.