Rawalpindi Metro Bus Fire Sparks Panic, Passengers Safe
A Metro bus caught fire in Rawalpindi on Saturday morning near the 6th Road stop, triggering panic among commuters and briefly disrupting the mass transit link between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Rescue officials said all passengers were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported in the incident.
According to the initial account shared by Rescue 1122, the bus was moving through the corridor when it caught fire close to the station. Emergency teams reached the site soon after being alerted and began firefighting operations as thick smoke rose from the vehicle.
The blaze left the bus badly damaged, while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities suspended Metro service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad after the incident to clear the affected track and ensure passenger safety.
Rescue 1122 officials said firefighters managed to bring the flames under control after reaching the scene. Their response helped prevent injuries, while commuters in and around the station were moved away from the affected area as a precaution.
Videos circulating on social media showed the red Metro bus engulfed in flames, with dark smoke visible from a distance as emergency workers tried to extinguish the fire. The footage quickly drew public attention because the Metro service is used daily by thousands of students, office workers and low-income commuters across the twin cities.
The incident has renewed questions about safety checks, maintenance standards and emergency readiness on public transport routes. While officials have not yet identified whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, mechanical failure or another technical issue, the complete destruction of the bus is likely to prompt calls for a detailed inspection of the fleet.
This is not the first time a Metro bus fire has raised concern in Pakistan. Last year, several passengers were injured in Lahore after they reportedly jumped from a Metrobus when it caught fire near the Naseerabad station on Ferozepur Road. In another case in 2021, a Metro bus was completely burnt near Minar-i-Pakistan station, reportedly after a short circuit.
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus service remains one of the most visible urban transport projects in the country, providing an affordable connection between major commercial, educational and government areas. Any breakdown or safety scare on the route immediately affects commuters who rely on it for daily travel.
For now, officials are expected to assess the damaged vehicle and determine the cause of the fire before deciding whether broader fleet inspections are required. The safe evacuation of passengers prevented a tragedy, but the incident has underlined the need for stronger preventive maintenance and quicker public communication during emergencies.