A heart-wrenching video circulating online shows a
burning bus
in Haryana’s Nuh on Friday night claiming eight lives and injuring many others. This tragedy highlights the critical issue of safety for the countless buses that traverse India’s roads daily. While advertisements often highlight features like the number of axles for a smoother ride and luxurious cabin amenities, the crucial aspect of safety, especially fire safety, is frequently overlooked.
The video from Nuh is both terrifying and harrowing with bright yellow flames engulfing the entire bus leaping high into the sky. Escaping such an inferno seems almost miraculous leaving one to wonder how many lucky stars are needed to survive such a catastrophe.
Root causes of bus fires
In a report by the Automotive Research Association of India on the causes of fires in buses operated by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd in May 2019, several major factors were identified. The report highlighted poor maintenance, the use of non-standard accessories, electrical issues and the absence of flame-proof upholstery and floorboards as significant contributors to bus fires.
While this audit focused specifically on PMPML-operated buses, its findings are relevant to most bus fire incidents in India. Alarmingly, the absence of flame-proof upholstery and floorboards significantly reduces the chances of escaping a fire often resulting in painful deaths or lifelong suffering. Even those who escape with minor or no physical injuries may endure severe mental trauma.
In a draft amendment Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) & Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS) for Buses by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the ministry observed, “For standard bus designs, the primary risk of heat and smoke to occupants from within the compartment emanates from ignition of class A materials present in the form of solid combustibles (wood, fibre boards, seat cushions/foams, curtains, upholstery etc.) and the total quantity is expected to be proportional to the number of seats. Excessive loading of combustible material inside the occupant compartment may have an adverse impact on the expected performance of FPS (fire protection system).”
The report also noted that the majority of both fatal and non-fatal injuries to passengers in bus fire accidents on Indian roads are due to heat and smoke in the passenger compartment regardless of the fire’s origin. These injuries can be prevented if the heat and smoke within the occupant compartment are controlled thereby providing a critical evacuation window for passengers.
According to research conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board in the US, bus fires commonly stem from issues within the electrical system, engine malfunctions and collisions. The study further highlighted that a mix of factors including the absence of effective fire suppression systems, inadequate maintenance and flawed design contribute significantly to the occurrence of bus fires.
In practical terms, the confined space within a bus accommodates numerous combustible materials making it susceptible to fires. Should a fire occur, its progression is swift fuelled by these flammable components. The release of flue gas from various internal materials swiftly fills the entire coach leading to rapid casualties, a piece in the International Fire Protection magazine said. More plastic in modern bus engines means more things can catch fire quickly.
The article also highlighted something called the backdraft phenomenon when panic-stricken passengers try to break the glass to jump out of the burning vehicle. The backdraft phenomenon refers to a dangerous event that can occur in a fire particularly in enclosed spaces. It happens when there is a sudden reintroduction of oxygen into a fire that has consumed most of the available oxygen in a confined space.
Persistent safety failures
India has experienced several major bus fire incidents over the years with notable cases resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred on 30 October, 2013, in Mahabubnagar, Telangana where a private bus travelling from Bangaluru to Hyderabad caught fire after hitting a culvert. This horrific accident resulted in the deaths of 45 passengers highlighting severe lapses in safety measures within private bus operations.
Another devastating incident took place on 10 January, 2020, in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. A collision between a bus and a truck led to a massive fire killing 20 people. The intensity of the fire trapped many passengers inside the bus demonstrating the urgent need for better safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
In 2022, on 8 May, a bus carrying migrant workers from Rajasthan to Maharashtra caught fire near Aurangabad. This tragic event resulted in 13 deaths and several injuries, once again emphasising the vulnerabilities in India’s public transportation system. Then on 28 January, 2023, a bus on the Pune-Bangaluru highway caught fire due to a short circuit, killing five people and injuring several others. More recently, on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra 25 people died on 1 July 2023 when a private bus caught fire after hitting the divider.
Bus fires are not rare even in developed countries as well. A German tour bus tragedy claimed 20 lives and left 13 others injured when an electrical malfunction occurred in the engine bay in July 2017. In Hensies, Belgium, a bus fire resulted in 11 fatalities and 37 injuries in June 2003.
Government response and regulatory framework
According to the Economic Times after the deadly bus fire incident near Mehbubnagar in October 2013, MoRTH issued guidelines to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The guidelines said that to enhance the safety of buses and prevent fire incidents several key preventive measures need to be implemented. Firstly, it is crucial to develop efficient fire detection and suppression systems. These systems should be capable of quickly identifying and extinguishing fires to prevent them from spreading. Secondly, the interiors and upholstery of buses should comply with standard burning rate requirements. This ensures that the materials used inside the bus do not contribute to the rapid spread of fire.
Additionally, it is important to install fire and smoke detection, as well as suppression systems, in critical areas such as the engine and luggage compartments. These areas are particularly vulnerable to fires and early detection can significantly reduce the risk of a major incident. Regular and thorough inspections of vehicles should also be conducted periodically. These inspections ensure that all safety systems are functioning correctly and that any potential fire hazards are identified and addressed promptly.
Finally, improving the design of gangways to allow for the free movement of passengers is essential. In the event of an emergency, a well-designed gangway facilitates quick and safe evacuation reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities. Implementing these preventive measures can greatly enhance the safety of buses and protect the lives of passengers.
Translating guidelines into action
Although the guidelines seem robust in theory, there are concerns regarding their actual implementation with clear evidence of lax enforcement. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, road safety falls under the jurisdiction of the states necessitating a significant role for state governments in preventing tragic incidents like bus fires and the resulting harm to passengers.
As buses continue to be a lifeline for many prioritising safety is key. By enforcing strict protocols, improving fire safety infrastructure and fostering accountability we can prevent future tragedies and ensure safer travels for all.
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