A state transport bus carrying nearly 45 passengers narrowly escaped a disaster when it caught fire in Thane city, Maharashtra, on Sunday morning, according to an official statement.

The incident occurred at 8:18 am near Vitawa Bridge, close to Kalwa police station, as reported by Yasin Tadvi, the chief of Thane Municipal Corporation`s disaster management cell, stated a PTI report. 

According to the report, the bus, operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), was en route from Khopat bus depot to Pali in Raigad district when its engine suddenly burst into flames.

Prompt action by a police constable led to the immediate alerting of the disaster management cell. Local firefighters and the disaster management team swiftly arrived at the scene, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers from the bus. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers, the report added. 

According to the report, the fire was brought under control by 8:28 am, with the blaze partially damaging the bus. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.

In two separate accidents in Maharashtra, tragic incidents occurred resulting in loss of lives and injuries. 

In the first incident, near Film City in Mumbai`s Goregaon area, a large wall collapsed and claimed the lives of two individuals and injured another. The collapse, which took place near Gate No. 2 of the Film City, involved a wall measuring 60 feet long and 20 feet high, trapping three victims beneath the debris.

Sintu Mondal, aged 32, and Jaidev Prahlad Biswas, aged 45, succumbed to their injuries after being admitted to the hospital. Meanwhile, Vikram Mondal, 29, sustained injuries and received treatment at a private hospital before being discharged, reported ANI. 

According to the report, the Goregaon Police Station has initiated an investigation into the incident, filing a report of accidental death.

In Palghar district, a 60-year-old woman labourer lost her life after being hit by a sports utility vehicle (SUV). Following the accident, angry locals vandalised the vehicle and assaulted its occupants. The police intervened, leading to the subsequent arrest of the individuals involved, stated another agency report.

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