Two Electric Vehicle Fires Reported in Pune Within One Day
Pune city witnessed two separate electric vehicle (EV) fire incidents within 12 hours on Monday, July 20, renewed safety concerns surrounding battery thermal stability and indoor charging practices across the district.
In the first incident early Monday morning, two electric two-wheelers plugged into a charger caught fire in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Walhekarwadi, spreading to a multi-storey residential building and injuring one person. Hours later on Monday evening, a moving electric passenger car burst into flames on the busy Pune–Bengaluru Highway near Navale Bridge in Narhe, causing highway traffic delays.
E-Bike Charging Fire Engulfs Walhekarwadi Building in Pimpri-Chinchwad
The first emergency call was received by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Fire Control Room at 7:18 AM on Monday. Two electric two-wheelers parked on the ground-floor parking premises of a ground-plus-two-storey residential structure near Dagdoba Chowk in Walhekarwadi caught fire while connected to power outlets.
🚨 TWIN EV FIRE INCIDENTS IN #PUNE ⚡🔥
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) July 21, 2026
Two separate electric vehicle fire incidents occurred across the Pune metropolitan area within 12 hours:
• Pimpri-Chinchwad (7:18 AM): 2 e-bikes caught fire while plugged into charging points at Dagdoba Chowk, Walhekarwadi. Flames spread… pic.twitter.com/ZL0ZojHOF1
The flames quickly spread to adjacent building walls, sending dense smoke billowing into upper-floor apartments. Firefighters dispatched from PCMC fire stations evacuated residents trapped on the first and second floors. One individual suffered burn injuries during the outbreak and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Both two-wheelers were reduced to metal frames before the blaze was extinguished.
Preliminary inquiries by fire authorities suggest the blaze originated from battery overheating or an electrical short circuit during charging.
Moving Electric Car Catches Fire Near Navale Bridge on Highway
Later the same day, around 7:30 PM, a second EV incident occurred on the Satara-to-Pune section of the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway near the Navale Bridge crematorium stretch in Narhe.
Pune Electric Vehicle Fire | पुण्यातील नवले पुलाजवळ धावत्या इलेक्ट्रिक कारला भीषण आग | Zee24Taas
— ZEE २४ तास (@zee24taasnews) July 21, 2026
पुणे-बेंगळुरू राष्ट्रीय महामार्गावरील नवले पुलाजवळ काल रात्री धावत्या इलेक्ट्रिक कारला अचानक आग लागली. घटनेची माहिती मिळताच नऱ्हे पोलीस, अग्निशमन दल आणि महामार्ग प्रशासनाचे पथक… pic.twitter.com/w0x0wJJy0R
A moving electric four-wheeler suddenly developed smoke from its engine compartment before bursting into flames. The driver pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder, allowing occupants to evacuate immediately. Fire tenders reached the spot and doused the fire, though the car was entirely gutted. The incident caused brief congestion along the highway before traffic police restored regular flow.
Fire Authorities Issue Essential EV Safety Advisory
Following the back-to-back blazes, local fire officers and technical experts have re-issued safety protocols for electric vehicle owners across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad:
Critical Charging Guidelines
- Avoid Overnight Unattended Charging: Do not leave lithium-ion batteries plugged in continuously past full charge limits, especially in closed parking areas.
- Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Never charge electric two-wheelers directly adjacent to building staircases, escape routes, or flammable storage zones.
- Use OEM Chargers: Always utilize original manufacturer-approved charging cords and dedicated surge-protected outlets.
- Routine Battery Inspections: Inspect battery packs regularly for swelling, unusual heat buildup, or wiring wear after long commutes.
Investigations into the exact mechanical and thermal triggers for both incidents remain underway by local authorities and automotive technical teams.
