9 Killed as Sleeper Bus Catches Fire on Yamuna Expressway
Around 35 passengers were aboard the bus travelling towards Mahoba; several escaped by jumping through windows as flames engulfed the vehicle
- Nine people were killed after a sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway.
- Around 35 passengers were travelling on the bus towards Mahoba.
- Several passengers escaped by jumping through bus windows amid thick smoke.
- UP government announced ₹2 lakh for each deceased person’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.
GG News Bureau
Greater Noida, 24th Sept: At least nine people, including a woman, were killed and several others injured after a sleeper tourist bus carrying around 35 passengers caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida late Wednesday night. The bus was travelling from Noida towards Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh when the blaze broke out near the Jewar area.
Most passengers were reportedly asleep when the fire erupted. As smoke rapidly filled the bus, passengers scrambled to escape, with some reportedly jumping through windows. A passenger described the scene as chaotic, saying there was heavy smoke and people were pushing and struggling to get out.
The incident took place around 11 pm near the 33-km milestone of the Yamuna Expressway under the Jewar police station area. Police and fire personnel reached the spot after receiving information about the blaze and launched rescue and relief operations.
Cause of fire under investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established. Initial reports have pointed towards a possible technical fault, including a suspected short circuit, but authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the blaze.
The fire spread rapidly through the sleeper bus, leaving several passengers trapped inside. The vehicle was eventually completely engulfed in flames.
The remains of the bus are being examined as part of the investigation, while authorities are also working to establish the identities of those killed and ascertain the precise sequence of events.
Passenger recalls chaotic escape
A survivor recalled waking up after someone banged on the bus door. She said she immediately grabbed her phone and attempted to get out without collecting her belongings.
According to the passenger, the bus was filled with smoke and visibility was extremely poor. Passengers were pushing and shoving as they attempted to escape, while some managed to get out through the windows.
She said several people behind her may not have been able to escape in time.
Yogi Adityanath announces compensation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
He directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and provide all possible assistance to the affected families. According to reports, the state government announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the family of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
Rescue and relief operations were carried out by police and fire department personnel following the accident. The investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths is continuing.
