A series of bus fires have drawn attention in Russia, with multiple incidents reported by the Telegram channel 78. News. The accounts describe outbreaks of flames on public transport vehicles in different regions, prompting investigations and inspections by local authorities.
In Pikalevo, a town in the Boksitogorsky district, eyewitnesses reported a burning Hyundai multi-seater bus used to transport personnel from the Tikhvin Freight Car Construction Plant. According to the report, the driver acted quickly, evacuating all passengers and transferring them to another bus as firefighters arrived to control the blaze. There were no injuries reported, and responders worked to extinguish the flames and assess the scene for remaining hazards. The incident underscores the importance of rapid evacuation protocols and coordinated response efforts in industrial areas with frequent fleet movements. [Source: Telegram channel 78. News]
Earlier on the same day, another bus caught fire on the inner ring of a major roadway near Gorelovo. Initial information indicated that the fire originated in the driver’s cabin and subsequently spread to part of the cabin area. Fire crews were dispatched promptly to contain the flames and determine the cause. Authorities emphasized the need for ongoing maintenance checks and safety audits to prevent similar occurrences on busy routes. [Source: Telegram channel 78. News]
Historically, St. Petersburg has faced a number of bus fires, with industry observers noting a pattern of incidents involving various vehicle brands. In discussions with industry experts, concerns were raised about the implications for urban transport safety and the potential for more serious emergencies if underlying issues are not addressed. The experts highlighted factors such as maintenance practices, electrical systems, and fleet aging as possible contributors while stressing that comprehensive inspections and proactive safety measures are essential for reducing risk across the network. [Source: Telegram channel 78. News]
In a related development, Volgabas, a group of companies with operations in St. Petersburg, announced a recall of buses to conduct additional inspections in partnership with operating organizations. The goal is to enhance the reliability of safety systems and reassure the riding public that transport providers are actively pursuing improvements in security and preventive maintenance. The recall reflects a broader industry trend toward heightened scrutiny of fleet readiness and standardized safety protocols. [Source: Telegram channel 78. News]
Meanwhile, authorities reported disturbances linked to criminal activity in the city, noting that police officers associated with organized crime operations were detained during investigations in St. Petersburg. The developments illustrate the range of urban challenges that transportation authorities must navigate, from vehicle safety to law enforcement cooperation, to safeguard public transit passengers. [Source: Telegram channel 78. News]