Massive Fire on JP Setu in Patna After Car and Pickup Truck Collision

KKN Gurugram Desk | A major accident was reported on JP Setu (Ganga Setu) in Patna, Bihar, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, when a car collided with a pickup truck, triggering a massive fire that destroyed both vehicles within minutes. The blaze was so intense that eyewitnesses reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke rising above the river bridge, visible from kilometers away.

The car driver managed to escape just in time, avoiding what could have been a tragic fatality. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries or casualties occurred, but the accident resulted in severe traffic disruption in central Patna and surrounding routes, including the Marine Drive stretch.

 Sequence of Events: From Collision to Conflagration

According to initial reports:

• The accident occurred on the JP Setu bridge, a major arterial route connecting northern and southern Patna.

• A car and a pickup truck collided, reportedly due to speeding or brake failure (preliminary cause under investigation).

• Immediately after the impact, a fire broke out — first in the car’s engine compartment.

• Within minutes, flames spread to the adjacent pickup van, which was parked or stalled nearby.

• Both vehicles were completely engulfed and burnt to scrap metal before firefighting units could bring the blaze under control.

“The driver managed to jump out of the car before the flames spread. It was sheer luck that no one was injured,” said an onlooker.

 Fire Services & Police Respond Swiftly, But Vehicles Destroyed

• Multiple units from the Patna Fire and Emergency Department were deployed to the site.

• It took over 30 minutes to fully extinguish the flames.

• By the time the fire was doused, both vehicles were reduced to charred frames.

• Patna Police also arrived on the scene and began cordoning off the affected stretch for investigation and traffic management.

Senior officials confirmed that the exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but no explosive materials were present in either vehicle.

Impact on Commuters: Heavy Traffic on JP Setu and Marine Drive

The accident and the ensuing fire led to significant traffic congestion:

• Long lines of vehicles were seen backed up on both sides of JP Setu.

• The ripple effect reached Marine Drive and nearby intersections, causing hours-long traffic snarls.

• Office-goers and school buses were among the worst affected, with no alternate diversions available in real-time.

• Emergency vehicles also faced delays due to blocked lanes.

Traffic Police were deployed to manage the situation, but full restoration of flow took several hours.

Cause of Fire: Preliminary Reports Suggest Engine Overheat

As per eyewitness accounts and initial fire department assessments:

• The car’s engine may have overheated, triggering an electrical spark or fuel leak.

• The proximity of the pickup van and possibly flammable material may have accelerated the fire’s spread.

• The bridge surface, made of bituminous material, also absorbed heat, making fire control more challenging.

Authorities are examining:

• CCTV footage from nearby poles.

• Driver statements.

• Mechanical remains for forensic inspection.

 Key Observations from the Incident

 Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

The incident has reignited concerns about:

• Fire safety infrastructure on urban flyovers and bridges.

• Lack of vehicle inspection enforcement for emissions, overheating, and faulty wiring.

• Absence of emergency fire equipment or extinguishers in most private vehicles.

• Over-speeding and reckless driving on major city roads.

Local residents demanded that:

• Authorities install fire hydrants or emergency response kits on major bridges.

• Traffic surveillance be upgraded with more cameras and stricter enforcement.

• Regular vehicle fitness checks be mandated before road permit renewals.

About JP Setu: Critical Link for Patna’s Transport

The Jayaprakash Narayan Setu (JP Setu) is one of the most important bridges in Bihar:

• It connects Patna with Sonepur and Hajipur over the Ganga River.

• Serves thousands of vehicles daily, including cargo and public transport.

• Key route for emergency services, inter-district transit, and intra-city commuting.

The fire incident has raised questions about:

• Disaster preparedness on such high-density transit routes.

• Evacuation planning during bridge accidents.

• Alternate routes in case of structural failure or congestion.

 Authorities Issue Statement

A joint statement from Patna Police and the Fire Department said:

“The fire was intense but under control within operational limits. No loss of life has occurred. Investigation into cause of fire and vehicular compliance is ongoing. We request all drivers to ensure vehicle fitness and emergency preparedness.”

They also added that further safety audits will be conducted on:

• Public transport vehicles.

• Hazardous material carriers.

• Bridge maintenance infrastructure.

The fire on JP Setu in Patna on June 5, 2025, could have turned fatal — but swift response and driver presence of mind averted disaster. However, the incident shines a light on the fragility of urban transport safety, and the need for modern fire control measures on critical infrastructure.

As the city grows and traffic density increases, urban authorities must proactively equip transport corridors with the technology and planning needed to handle such emergencies — before luck runs out.

KKNLive will continue to follow up on the investigation reports, fire safety reforms, and traffic regulation changes resulting from this incident.