Mirpur Bus Fire: Moving Vehicle Catches Fire, No Casualties
A passenger bus operated by Shikhar Paribahan caught fire while in motion near the Jamjam Tower in Mirpur-11, Dhaka, on Saturday evening, prompting a rapid response from the Fire Service and Civil Defence. The incident occurred at approximately 7:13 PM when the vehicle, carrying passengers, suddenly erupted in flames, causing panic among commuters and pedestrians in the busy commercial area. According to Duty Officer Rashed Bin Khalid of the Fire Service Control Room, two firefighting units were dispatched immediately upon receiving the emergency call and managed to bring the blaze under control within a short period. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, as passengers and the driver evacuated the bus promptly after noticing smoke and flames. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary assessments suggest a possible electrical short circuit or mechanical failure in the engine compartment. The incident caused temporary traffic congestion on the Mirpur road, a major arterial route in the capital, as authorities cordoned off the area for safety and investigation. This event has reignited concerns over the maintenance standards of public transport vehicles in Dhaka, where aging fleets and inadequate safety inspections have been linked to similar incidents in recent years. Transport experts and commuter rights groups have called for stricter enforcement of fitness certification, mandatory fire extinguishers on all commercial buses, and regular driver training on emergency protocols. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is expected to issue a directive for immediate inspection of Shikhar Paribahan's fleet following this incident. Meanwhile, the fire service has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of vehicle malfunction to prevent future occurrences. The swift containment of the fire highlights the improved response capacity of Dhaka's emergency services, though the recurring nature of such accidents underscores the need for systemic reforms in public transport safety management.
Key Highlights
- Shikhar Paribahan bus caught fire while moving near Mirpur-11 Jamjam Tower Saturday evening
- Fire service deployed two units and extinguished flames within minutes; no injuries reported
- Passengers and driver evacuated safely after noticing smoke; cause under investigation
- Incident caused temporary traffic disruption on key Mirpur arterial road
- Renewed calls for stricter vehicle fitness checks and mandatory fire safety equipment on public buses
Source: প্রথম আলো
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