In a terrifying incident in Rajasthan's capital, a moving low-floor bus operated by the Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) caught fire on Sunday, while the incident occurred on a bus running on route number 24, which was traveling from Kalwar to Chandpole. The bus, bearing registration number RJ14PD 8538, suddenly saw flames erupting from its engine area, leading to widespread panic among the passengers on board.
Panic and Narrow Escape for Passengers
As soon as the flames and thick smoke began billowing from the engine, the passengers were gripped by fear. The driver stopped the vehicle immediately, and a stampede-like situation emerged as people scrambled to exit the bus to save their lives, while fortunately, all passengers managed to evacuate the vehicle in time, and no injuries or casualties were reported in the mishap. The quick realization of the fire prevented what could have been a major tragedy on the busy streets of Jaipur.
Failure of Safety Equipment
The incident has brought to light a shocking lapse in safety protocols, while when the fire broke out, attempts were made to use the fire extinguisher kept inside the bus for such emergencies. However, it was discovered that the fire extinguisher was completely empty. With no functional safety equipment on board, the situation could have escalated rapidly, while in a stroke of luck, a water tanker happened to be passing by the site. The tanker was stopped, and water was used to douse the flames, effectively preventing the fire from spreading further and gutting the entire bus.
Maintenance Under Scrutiny
This accident has once again raised serious questions regarding the maintenance of JCTSL buses. Vipin, the Organization Secretary of the Employees Union AETA, has leveled serious allegations against the management. According to him, the maintenance of buses operated from the Todi Depot is the responsibility of a private firm named Mateshwari Company, while it's alleged that the maintenance process is largely confined to paperwork, with very little actual technical inspection being carried out on the ground. The fact that a bus was running with an empty fire extinguisher is being cited as clear evidence of this negligence.
Operational Violations and Future Concerns
Further investigations into the incident revealed that the mini-bus involved in the fire had already completed its designated operational period in March. Despite this, the JCTSL management reportedly extended its operational life by another 3 months. Critics argue that this extension was granted without conducting a proper and comprehensive technical audit of the vehicle's condition. On top of that, reports suggest that the same company, Mateshwari Company, has been tasked with the maintenance of 50 new double-decker buses. This has sparked concerns among union members and the public alike. If buses that have outlived their tenure are being put back on the road without adequate safety checks and functional fire safety gear, the responsibility for passenger safety remains a major unanswered question.