Back-to-Back Fire Incidents Jolt Gujarat, Raise Fresh Safety Concerns

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —- Gujarat witnessed a tense Monday morning as two separate fire incidents — one involving a public transport bus in Ahmedabad and another a massive industrial blaze in Surat — sent shockwaves across the state and once again raised serious questions about fire safety preparedness.

In Ahmedabad, an AMTS bus caught fire near the busy Sola Bhagwat intersection on SG Highway, triggering panic among passengers. The fire broke out suddenly in the engine compartment at the front of the bus while it was en route from Adalaj Trimandir to Sarkhej Ujala on Route No. 501.

According to fire officials, smoke began billowing from the engine bonnet, prompting the driver to immediately stop the bus on the roadside.

“As soon as the fire was noticed, the driver switched off the main power and instructed passengers to evacuate through the back door,” a fire brigade official said.

Thanks to the driver’s presence of mind, all passengers managed to escape safely. Two fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot and quickly brought the blaze under control. However, the driver’s cabin, front portion of the bus, six seats, and parts of the ceiling and flooring were damaged.

Police and AMTS officials later reached the site.

“A notice will be issued to the bus operator and appropriate fines will be imposed after a detailed inquiry,” officials confirmed. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Meanwhile, Surat faced a far more serious situation when a massive fire broke out at a plastic manufacturing unit located behind Dharti Namkeen in the Udhna industrial area. The fire, fuelled by large quantities of plastic material, spread rapidly, sending thick black smoke into the sky and causing chaos in the surrounding area.

More than eight fire tenders from five fire stations were pressed into service to douse the blaze. Firefighters also carried out risky rescue operations to evacuate workers trapped inside the factory.

At least five workers suffered severe burn injuries ranging between 35% and 50% and were rushed to Surat Civil Hospital. The injured were identified as Lalit Vishwakarma (30), Chandbapu Salim Ahmed (31), Mohammad Usman Salim Khan (18), Neeraj Shyambali Bharti (22), and Amir Sadiq Mohammad (32).

Dr. Shital Kherdia, Medical Officer at New Civil Hospital, said,“Five patients were brought by 108 ambulance around 8:15 am. They have sustained 35% to 50% burns and are currently under treatment in the surgery department. Their condition is serious but stable.”

A factory worker, Shramik Rahman, claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit.“Plastic pellets are manufactured here. The fire spread very fast because of the material,” he said.