The bus fire in which seven persons were killed in Nalanda district on Thursday has raised posers on safety of passengers.

Patna district magistrate (DM) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal held a meeting on Friday and banned the plying of buses of Baba Travels - the operator that owned the burnt bus - from Patna with immediate effect.

The DM said: "We took the decision considering public safety in emergency situations. I have recommended the Patna division commissioner and state transport commissioner to suspend the licence of the travel agency."

A ban was also imposed on carrying of inflammable objects on buses, with strict action to be taken against violators.

The DM also ordered inspection of all buses leaving from and arriving in Patna. The inspection will be carried out considering emergencies.

He added that bus fitness will be checked thoroughly. Drivers and conductors of all buses will be tested to ensure that they are trained enough to tackle emergencies.

Automobile experts said incidents of vehicles catching fire happen more in summers and require a few preventive measures. They said vehicles tend to catch fire either due to prolonged service requirement, defective accessories or loose connections.

Ujjwal of Karlo Automobiles at Shri Krishna Puri said: "The vehicles need to be sent for servicing on time. The wires weaken with time and hence, can cause a spark any time, in seconds. Loose connections, radiator, accessories, plug and ignition wires are some of the most common reasons for fires."

He added vehicle engines heat up more in summer, causing sparks much faster than in winter. But it often happens due to lack of proper maintenance or fitment of components from roadside workshops compromise the safety of vehicles.

Ujjwal said: "Vehicle owners must have handy fire extinguishers in their vehicles to douse flames."

Ajay, another expert, said: "Fires in vehicles can be triggered by electrical short circuit, lack of water in the radiator and fuel leaks."

Ajay attributed filling up the petrol tank to the brim as the most common cause for overheating of engines during summer. "It is important to turn off the ignition while filling fuel to avoid any accident."

On fire prevention, he advised limiting the number of modifications on the vehicle since it makes the vehicle vulnerable to electrical glitches and to keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles.