Inferno at Bhopal ISBT: Massive Fire Engulfs Multiple Buses at Major Transit Hub

BHOPAL, India — Panic broke out at Bhopal’s Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) on Sunday evening, October 25, 2026 after a massive fire erupted in the parking lot, destroying five buses and partially damaging three others.

The affected fleet operated primarily by private operator Verma Travels, included vehicles serving major long-distance routes. Authorities confirmed that no passengers were inside the vehicles when the blaze started, preventing any casualties or injuries.

The fire reportedly broke out around Sunday evening in one of the parked vehicles before rapidly spreading to adjacent buses in the crowded lot.

Driven by fuel and synthetic interior materials, the flames intensified quickly, sending thick black smoke billowing into the night sky. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions as bus tires and fuel tanks ruptured during the blaze, causing widespread alarm among travelers and nearby vendors.

Terminal staff and local authorities acted swiftly to relocate dozens of other nearby parked buses, preventing the inferno from engulfing more of the more than 50 vehicles present at the terminal. Around 10 to 12 firefighting teams and six fire tenders rushed to the ISBT to isolate and extinguish the fire.

Fire crews faced immediate operational challenges due to haphazardly parked vehicles and traffic bottlenecks along the access roads leading into the terminal. Despite the obstacles, emergency responders managed to bring the fire under control within approximately an hour to an hour and a half. Police cordoned off the area to maintain order and clear paths for emergency vehicles.

Verma Travels operator Deepak Verma estimated the total financial loss at ₹4 to 5 cores, noting that several long-distance routes connecting Bhopal to destinations such as Ahmedabad, Surat, and Nagpur were disrupted or canceled.

Madhya Pradesh Police have initiated a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the terminal and probing all potential angles, including a possible electrical short circuit or foul play.