Thane: 13 passengers evacuated after smoke detected from MSRTC electric bus near Khopat

THANE: Around 13 passengers travelling in a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) electric bus were evacuated after the staff noticed smoke from its left-side rear tyres near the Khopat area in Thane on Tuesday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around 10 am when the Shivai Electric Bus number (MH 20 GZ 0464), operating on the Borivli-Nasik route, was on its way to its next scheduled halt at Khopat Bus Depot after crossing the Cadbury Signal.

The driver, Manohar Kale, and conductor, Hiralal Bodke, were alerted to smoke emanating from one of the rear wheels, following which they halted the bus and immediately asked the passengers to disembark.

There were 13 passengers aboard, of which 10 were headed to Nashik and the rest were scheduled to alight in Thane. The emergency response teams from Thane were alerted, who managed to douse the flames and shift the bus to the roadside.

An investigation into the cause of the incident will be launched, informed local MSRTC officials.