Bardoli Bus Tragedy: 7 Dead as CNG Bus Turns Into Fireball After Chain Collision

Surat | Gujarat — A devastating road accident turned a busy highway stretch near Uva village in Bardoli taluka of Bardoli into a scene of horror on Tuesday evening, after a chain collision between two Maharashtra State Transport (ST) buses and an overturned tanker left at least 7 passengers dead and 17 injured.

According to officials, the tragedy unfolded around 4:30 pm when one bus attempted to avoid a tanker that had overturned on the road. In the sudden manoeuvre, the driver lost control, causing the bus to jump the divider and crash head-on into another ST bus coming from the opposite direction.

“The impact was so severe that one of the buses overturned immediately,” a senior district administration official said. “Since the vehicle was CNG-powered, a fire erupted within seconds, escalating the disaster.”

Within moments, the overturned bus turned into a raging fireball, trapping passengers inside. Panic and screams echoed across the highway as locals rushed to rescue those trapped before fire engulfed the entire vehicle.

Firefighters from Bardoli rushed to the scene and battled intense flames for several minutes before bringing the blaze under control. Police teams, along with the Mamlatdar, SDM, and SP, reached the site shortly after receiving emergency alerts.

Out of the 17 injured, several were treated at Bardoli CHC, while 7 critically injured passengers were referred to Surat Civil Hospital. Doctors confirmed that three remain in serious condition. Authorities also confirmed multiple burn injuries among victims.

A senior police officer stated, “Preliminary investigation suggests the accident was triggered by sudden avoidance of the tanker. We are examining all angles, including road conditions and vehicle speed.”

The accident caused major traffic disruption on the highway, with long queues of stranded vehicles. Rescue operations continued late into the evening as debris was cleared and bodies were shifted for post-mortem examination.

The administration has launched a detailed probe into the chain collision, while grief and shock grip the region following one of the most tragic highway accidents in recent times.