A fire broke out in the battery box of a contracted BEST bus in Chembur on Sunday morning, but the driver’s prompt action prevented injuries or loss of life among passengers travelling on the vehicle.
The bus, operated from BEST’s Deonar depot by contractor SMTATPL, was running on route A-364 between Mahul Gaon and Trombay when the driver noticed smoke coming from beneath the cabin. The bus had reached the Ram Mandir area in Chembur Colony at around 8 am when the problem was detected.
The driver immediately stopped the vehicle and inspected it. According to the report, sparks in the battery box had caused a short circuit, which led to the fire. The driver used all three fire extinguishers available on the bus and brought the blaze under control at about 8.15 am.
Passengers informed the Mumbai Fire Brigade, and a fire engine reached the location. By then, the driver had extinguished the fire. As a precaution, fire brigade personnel disconnected the battery and removed it from the bus to prevent the incident from recurring.
No passenger or crew member was injured, and there were no fatalities. BEST mechanics and mechanics representing the contractor also arrived at the spot. The bus was subsequently taken to the Deonar depot for further inspection and any necessary action.
The incident has renewed concerns about the maintenance and repair of contracted buses in BEST’s fleet. The report noted that contracted buses have faced repeated technical problems and that concerns have also been raised over an increase in accidents involving such vehicles. These concerns have brought passenger safety and the responsibility for timely maintenance into focus.
The report also said that demands are growing for BEST to take direct responsibility for the maintenance and repair of contracted buses, rather than leaving the work to contractors. The immediate cause of Sunday’s fire was identified as a short circuit in the battery box, while further inspection at the Deonar depot is expected to determine the condition of the vehicle and the action required.
