Blaze in private sleeper bus sparks safety concerns

Two days after a private sleeper bus caught fire in the Civil Lines area here, the smell of burnt metal still lingers in the air. The charred shell of the bus, now cordoned off, has once again highlighted the safety lapses in the profit-driven sector that transports thousands of passengers in and out of the city every day.

The Tribune correspondent visited the Mori gate circle, near the Kashmere Gate Inter-State Bus Terminal, from where these private buses operate. During the visit, it was found that several sleeper buses lacked the number of fire extinguishers needed to control the blaze. Hammers used to break glasses in case of an emergency were also missing in most of the buses.

Generally, AC sleeper buses by original equipment manufacturers are equipped with safety hammers to break the glass in case of an emergency. However, such key safety equipment are missing in buses whose frames are manufactured by local entities.

“Despite safety standards being upgraded from time to time, lack of enforcement by bus operators and negligence by the authorities concerned in proper implementation put passengers’ safety at risk. These buses turn into virtual ‘running coffins’,” said a former transport official.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport’s automotive industry standards (AIS), which are aimed at ensuring the structural and fire safety of vehicles, use of strong and certified materials in the construction of the bus body is mandatory.

As per AIS standards, fire alarms and fire detection systems at two main doors and two temporary windows (emergency exits) are mandatory.

The entire structure of the bus must be tested to ensure passenger safety in the event of a collision and material used for curtains, seats and other interior components must be fire resistant.

However, these provisions are not actually followed by most bodybuilding workshops. Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued directives to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories to take immediate action against sleeper coach buses found violating safety regulations.

Reasons behind fire in buses

• Unsafe body modifications: Most buses have engines and chassis from major brands, but the bodies are manufactured at local workshops where safety standards are ignored.
• Use of flammable materials: Cheap and highly flammable materials are used in curtains, beds and interiors.
• Unsafe fuel tanks: Sometimes additional fuel tanks are fitted, increasing the risk of fire.
• Lack of emergency exits: Most sleeper buses lack four designated exits (two doors and two windows), making it difficult for passengers to exit.
• Untrained drivers: Drivers are not trained to protect passengers in case of an emergency.