Pune Fire Tragedy Exposes Critical Vehicle Safety Lapses

Pune, India: The recent Pune fire tragedy has highlighted serious safety gaps in transport vehicles, prompting authorities to take urgent action. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has announced a joint workshop with transport unions, bus owners, drivers, and the fire department to enhance passenger safety measures.

Deputy RTO Rahul Jadhav confirmed that the ill-fated vehicle, owned by Vyom Graphics, had valid documents, including a fitness certificate, and was well-maintained, with its next scheduled maintenance in April 2025. However, officials revealed that the fire spread so quickly that passengers at the back had no chance to escape.

Need for Structural Changes

Baba Shinde, President of the Maharashtra State Goods and Passengers Transport Association, raised concerns about poor emergency exit designs in Tempo Travellers, stating that passengers are rarely informed about them. He urged manufacturers to redesign vehicles to ensure an unobstructed escape route in emergencies.

The association has also recommended that all transport vehicles be equipped with fire extinguishers and undergo mandatory annual safety audits to prevent such disasters in the future.