Three-Member Panel to Investigate Ashoknagar Bus Fire

  The panel includes Isagarh SDM Trilochan Gaur, RTO Ranjana Kushwaha, and PWD SDO Ashutosh Gautam. The team has been directed to submit a detailed report to the district collector within three days.

According to officials, the committee will examine the exact cause of the fire, assess safety lapses, and determine whether the explosion was accidental or due to negligence.

Gas Cylinders Found in Burnt Bus

Eyewitnesses reported hearing two to three loud explosions as the fire engulfed the bus on Saturday night. When the site was inspected the next morning, investigators discovered small 5-litre gas cylinders that had exploded inside the bus. Preliminary assessment suggests that the cylinders might have belonged to migrant labourers traveling with cooking equipment.

Site Secured for Investigation

Authorities have cordoned off the area using reflective safety tapes to prevent tampering with evidence during the investigation. Most personal belongings of passengers — including utensils, food items, clothing, books, bags, and grains — were completely destroyed in the fire.

Officials Monitoring the Probe

District Collector Aditya Singh confirmed that the inquiry team will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the incident, including vehicle safety and compliance checks. He added that the administration will take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Tehsildar Rohit Raghuvanshi and Naib Tehsildar also visited the site early in the morning to assist with the preliminary review and ensure proper documentation.