Hinjewadi Bus Fire: Shocking Truth Revealed – Planned Sabotage, Not an Accident!

Hinjewadi Bus Fire News: Shocking Revelation Behind the Incident

Hinjewadi Bus Fire: Planned Sabotage, Not an Accident

A devastating bus fire in Hinjewadi has taken a tragic turn, as investigations confirm it was not an accident but a deliberate act. The driver, Janardan Hambardikar, has been arrested for setting the vehicle ablaze as an act of revenge. The fire resulted in the deaths of four people and left several others injured. Authorities have now uncovered the shocking details behind this horrifying incident.

Why Did the Driver Set the Bus on Fire?

According to the police, Hambardikar had long-standing conflicts with his colleagues. He was reportedly frustrated over daily workplace issues and personal disputes. Additionally, he was angry about unpaid wages during Diwali, which further fueled his resentment.

Investigators found that the driver had planned the act in advance. He brought benzene and cleaning rags into the vehicle the day before. On the day of the incident, he ignited the rags with a matchstick, causing a massive explosion that quickly engulfed the bus in flames. He had exited the vehicle before the fire spread, ensuring his own safety while putting others in danger.

Tragic Loss of Lives and Injuries

The fire broke out at 7:45 AM while the minibus was transporting employees from Warje to their workplace in Hinjewadi. Four workers lost their lives as they struggled to escape through the emergency exit, which failed to open. The deceased were identified as:

• Subhash Bhosale (44) – Paper cutting operator
• Shankar Shinde (63) – Supervisor
• Gurudas Lokhare (45) – Printing machine operator
• Rajan Chavan (42) – Courier worker

Six other employees sustained burn injuries, while a few managed to escape in time. The injured include Vishwas Khanvilkar, Sandeep Shinde, Vishwas Jori, Chandrakant Malji, and Pravin Nikam.

How Did the Fire Spread So Quickly?

Authorities have confirmed that the rapid spread of the fire was due to benzene, a highly flammable chemical that Hambardikar had stored in the vehicle. When the matchstick was lit, the fire escalated within seconds, leaving the passengers with little time to react.

The flames first appeared near the driver’s seat. Hambardikar stopped the vehicle and exited, while the workers sitting at the back struggled to escape. The faulty emergency exit door further worsened the situation, trapping the victims inside.

Police Investigation and Driver’s Confession

Pimpri Chinchwad Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad confirmed that Hambardikar had confessed to his crime. The police are now investigating whether he had any accomplices and the full extent of his plan. They are also reviewing the safety standards of company transport vehicles to prevent such incidents in the future.

Transport Authorities to Take Action

In response to this tragic incident, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has announced a joint workshop involving transport unions, bus owners, drivers, and the fire department. The session, scheduled for the first week of April, will focus on:

• Conducting safety audits for transport vehicles
• Educating drivers on fire prevention measures
• Enforcing strict compliance with safety rules

Assistant RTO Swapnil Bhosale emphasized that every transport vehicle must undergo a fitness inspection every two years. For vehicles older than eight years, an annual fitness certificate is mandatory. A dedicated team has now been assigned to ensure compliance with these safety regulations.

Concerns Over Emergency Exit and Vehicle Safety

Baba Shinde, President of the Maharashtra State Goods and Passengers Transport Association, pointed out that the faulty design of the emergency exit door contributed to the casualties. Had the exit been functional, the victims might have survived. He urged vehicle owners to equip their buses with fire extinguishers and conduct regular safety audits.

Political Reactions and Public Outcry

The shocking incident has drawn attention in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. MLA Hemant Rasne has demanded that the company provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and support the injured workers. He also urged authorities to take strict action against transport companies that fail to maintain safety standards.

The Hinjewadi bus fire incident is a grim reminder of how personal conflicts can lead to devastating consequences. The shocking revelation that the fire was a planned act has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and transport regulations. Authorities are now taking steps to improve bus safety, and the investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for the victims. This case highlights the urgent need for better safety measures in public and private transport vehicles.

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