Pune: A shocking CCTV video of the tragic Hinjewadi bus fire has now gone viral, revealing harrowing visuals of passengers desperately trying to escape as flames engulfed the moving vehicle. The footage, captured from nearby surveillance cameras, provides crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation, confirming suspicions that the fire was a deliberate act rather than an accident.
The video shows the moment when panic spread inside the bus as the fire rapidly intensified. Several passengers were seen struggling to open the doors, but their efforts were in vain. The flames spread quickly, trapping them inside. The driver, Janardan Hambardikar, was seen jumping out of the vehicle moments before the fire consumed the entire bus, leaving passengers to fend for themselves.
Hinjewadi police have confirmed that the fire was intentionally set. According to their investigation, Hambardikar, the driver, was allegedly upset over salary issues and a lack of bonuses from his employer. In a shocking revelation, he confessed to setting the fire using a flammable substance he had stolen from the company.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad stated in a press briefing, “The CCTV footage confirms that this was not an accident but a premeditated act. The driver deliberately set the fire and then jumped to safety, leaving the passengers trapped inside.”
Based on the viral footage and other technical evidence, the police arrested Hambardikar and charged him with murder and arson. He is currently in police custody, and further investigations are underway to determine if anyone else was involved in the crime.
Authorities are also examining why the emergency exits remained shut during the incident and whether there were any mechanical failures that prevented the passengers from escaping.