In a shocking incident, a bus carrying 35 devotees to the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj from Ranchi caught fire near Hesagarha village in Ramgarh district, Jharkhand, early Thursday morning. According to police reports, the incident occurred at around 1 AM along National Highway-33 (NH-33). Fortunately, all passengers escaped unhurt, while the driver sustained multiple injuries after jumping from the burning vehicle.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to Ramgarh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Parameshwar Prasad, the fire broke out suddenly, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle. A passenger recalled that they first noticed a burning smell before the fire became visible. Sensing danger, the driver alerted the passengers, allowing them to exit the vehicle in time.

However, the driver, in an attempt to escape, suffered multiple injuries while jumping off the bus. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

Police Investigation and Cause of Fire

Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the fire. While the exact reason remains unknown, preliminary assessments suggest a mechanical malfunction or an electrical short circuit. The police have cordoned off the area, and forensic experts will examine the charred remains of the bus.

Passengers’ Accounts and Safety Measures

Eyewitnesses among the devotees expressed relief that everyone managed to escape unscathed. Local authorities and emergency services responded quickly, ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers and preventing any further escalation of the fire.

One of the passengers stated:
"We smelled something burning, and the driver quickly pulled over. As soon as we got down, we saw flames spreading rapidly. We are grateful that we all survived."

Concerns Over Safety During Mahakumbh Travel

With millions of devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh 2025, concerns over transport safety have intensified. Many pilgrims rely on long-distance buses, which often face mechanical wear and tear due to continuous usage. Authorities are now urging bus operators to conduct thorough safety inspections before undertaking such journeys.

Government Response

Local officials have assured that measures will be taken to ensure safer travel for Mahakumbh pilgrims. Transport authorities may introduce mandatory vehicle checks along key pilgrimage routes to prevent similar incidents.

Conclusion

While the incident ended without major casualties, it serves as a wake-up call for better transport safety measures during religious pilgrimages. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and authorities are expected to release a detailed report soon. Meanwhile, the injured bus driver remains under medical care, and all passengers have resumed their journey to Prayagraj.

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