An overnight bus journey from Delhi towards Mahoba ended in tragedy after a sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, killing at least nine passengers and injuring several others.
The incident took place late Wednesday night near Dayanatpur village in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar. According to reports, approximately 35 passengers were travelling on the bus when the fire erupted at around 11 pm. The vehicle was reportedly travelling towards Mahoba after starting from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate.
The timing of the incident made the situation particularly dangerous. Most passengers were reportedly asleep when the fire started. As smoke began filling the bus, passengers were suddenly forced to wake up and escape.
Witness accounts reported by news organisations described scenes of confusion and panic. One passenger told ANI, as quoted by Hindustan Times, that she had been sleeping when someone woke passengers and informed them that the bus had caught fire. She described heavy smoke and difficulties in getting out of the crowded vehicle.
Some passengers managed to escape through the windows. The driver reportedly stopped the bus on the side of the expressway after the fire was noticed. However, the flames spread rapidly, leaving some passengers trapped inside.
Emergency services were alerted, following which fire tenders and police personnel reached the location. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control while rescue personnel attempted to evacuate those who remained inside the bus.
Officials said 20 passengers were rescued safely. At least nine passengers died in the incident, while several others sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Police have indicated that an electrical short circuit involving the air-conditioning system may have triggered the blaze. However, authorities have not yet established this as the final cause.
The investigation is also examining the actions of the driver and conductor. According to a PTI report published by Telegraph India, the FIR states that passengers had reportedly noticed a burning smell and smoke and alerted the driver and helper, with allegations that their warnings were not acted upon promptly. These details form part of the investigation and will have to be established through the police inquiry.
The driver and conductor have been arrested, and police have registered a case under provisions relating to culpable homicide. Authorities are expected to investigate whether the vehicle complied with safety requirements and whether emergency procedures were followed.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure appropriate treatment for the injured and assistance to the victims’ families.
The incident has highlighted the risks associated with sleeper buses, where passengers may have limited reaction time during a nighttime emergency. Investigators will now determine how quickly the fire developed, how passengers were alerted, whether emergency exits were accessible and whether the bus had the necessary safety equipment.
The tragedy remains under investigation, with authorities expected to release additional information as the identities of the victims, medical condition of survivors and cause of the fire are established.