Greater Noida: At least nine people, including a woman, were burnt to death and several others injured after a sleeper tourist bus carrying 35 passengers caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida late Wednesday night.
Bus caught fire while passengers were asleep
The bus was travelling from Noida to Mahoba when the fire broke out near Dayanatpur village in Jewar. Most passengers were reportedly asleep when the blaze suddenly engulfed the vehicle.
According to preliminary police findings, the fire may have started following a blast in the bus’s air-conditioning system. The blast allegedly ignited engine lubricating oil, causing the flames to spread rapidly. Police are also examining the possibility of a short circuit, while the exact cause is yet to be established.
The sudden fire led to panic among passengers, with several people reportedly forced to escape through the bus windows. One survivor recalled waking after another passenger banged on the door and described thick smoke, confusion and difficulty in getting out of the vehicle.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot
Firefighters and personnel from the Jewar police station reached the spot after receiving information about the blaze and began rescue and relief operations. The injured were taken for medical treatment.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those who died and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. The state government announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each deceased person’s family and ₹50,000 for each injured passenger.
Police and fire officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the deadly fire.