Jamshedpur school van catches fire in Bistupur, driver averts major tragedy

Jamshedpur: A major accident was narrowly avoided on Wednesday when a school van carrying children caught fire near Tata Main Hospital (TMH) under the Bistupur police station area. The driver, acting swiftly, managed to evacuate all the children safely before the flames spread, preventing any casualties.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver parked the van on the roadside and attempted to douse the fire by throwing sand. Seeing the situation, bystanders rushed to help. Fortunately, a water tanker that was nearby watering plants was called to the spot, and the fire was eventually brought under control.
The van was carrying students of Beldih Church School and is reportedly more than 25 years old. Its registration number (BR 20E 4555) indicated was registered before Jharkhand was separated from Bihar. The incident has raised concerns over the use of outdated vehicles for student transportation. Authorities and school management are being urged to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of schoolchildren by regulating old and unfit vehicles on the road.