In Udmurtia, a routine bus caught fire on a highway, covering an area of about 30 square meters. The Ministry of Emergencies for the region confirmed the blaze and provided details about the incident. The event underscores how quickly a vehicle can become engulfed in flames and how important rapid response remains in safeguarding lives on roadways.
The fire occurred on February 22 along the seventh kilometer of the Votkinsk-Chaikovsky highway. The bus was carrying 39 people, including two children and the driver. As the flames erupted, passengers faced a tense moment as they considered escape routes and the risk of smoke inhalation. Local authorities and emergency crews promptly began assessing the situation and coordinating a response to ensure everyone remained as safe as possible under difficult circumstances. [Citation: Regional Ministry of Emergency Situations]
When responders arrived, they observed that the vehicle was fully involved in fire. Six firefighters and two fire extinguishing units were deployed to manage the blaze, set up a perimeter, and work to prevent spread to nearby vegetation or other traffic. The quick arrival of multiple teams helped contain the fire and reduce potential casualties. The scene management emphasized orderly evacuations and clear communications with passengers during the operation. [Citation: Regional Ministry of Emergency Situations]
As a result of the incident, a 15-year-old girl and a 19-year-old boy sustained injuries described as hand stab wounds caused by broken glass. They chose not to be hospitalized after receiving on-site first aid, and both were offered follow-up medical checks. All travelers were carefully evacuated from the burning bus and transported to the nearby bus terminal in Votkinsk by another bus arranged for passenger safety. The incident management stressed the importance of staying calm, following crew directions, and using available exits to ensure a safe transfer to support services. [Citation: Regional Ministry of Emergency Situations]
In the aftermath, investigators noted that the fire began within the engine compartment, rapid heat buildup likely played a key role, and the incident prompted reviews of bus maintenance and road-side safety procedures. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of passenger transport in emergencies and the need for routine checks of critical vehicle systems and emergency readiness for drivers and passengers alike. Public safety officials continued to remind travelers to report any sign of trouble at once and to follow safe departures in the event of a fire. [Citation: Regional Ministry of Emergency Situations]
Earlier reports indicated that a parent had briefly left a child in the vehicle while visiting friends, an action that has since been cited in discussions about child safety and vehicle supervision. Emergency authorities reiterated the importance of never leaving young passengers unattended in a vehicle, especially in conditions where the engine or other components could overheat or catch fire. The ongoing investigation will consider all contributing factors to strengthen recommendations for operators and families alike. [Citation: Regional Ministry of Emergency Situations]