Bus Fire on Yamuna Expressway Claims 9 Lives
A double‑decker bus traveling from Delhi to Mahoba caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway, killing nine passengers. Witnesses say the driver and conductor ignored complaints about a burning smell and continued smoking inside the vehicle. Authorities have arrested the crew and are investigating a poss…
By Felo News Desk · Published
A double‑decker sleeper bus was engulfed in flames on the Yamuna Expressway near the 33‑km milestone in Greater Noida late Wednesday evening, killing nine people and injuring several others. Passengers had warned the driver about a strong burning odor minutes before the vehicle caught fire, but their concerns were reportedly ignored.
Incident Overview
The bus, registered in Bihar, was traveling from Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi to Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh. According to a first‑information report filed at Jewar Police Station, the vehicle was carrying between 30 and 35 passengers. Fire and rescue teams from the Jewar Toll Plaza responded quickly, deploying four additional fire tenders and a dedicated fire service unit to bring the blaze under control.
Passengers’ Alarms Ignored
Witnesses claim that the driver and conductor were smoking cigarettes inside the bus. Passengers complained, but the crew allegedly dismissed the objections and threatened those who raised the issue. A strong burning smell then spread through the vehicle, prompting passengers to alert the driver repeatedly. The driver reportedly told them that such odors were normal and continued driving.
Minutes later, flames erupted from the front of the bus. While passengers screamed for the vehicle to stop, the driver allegedly refused to halt, allegedly saying, “I don’t care if you die, I won’t stop the bus.” The fire spread rapidly, and thick smoke made escape difficult. Firefighters managed to evacuate 20–25 passengers before the blaze was contained.
Investigation and Possible Causes
Authorities have arrested both the driver and the conductor. A case has been registered, and investigators are examining the exact sequence of events. Preliminary findings from the Gautam Buddha Nagar Additional District Magistrate suggest a short circuit may have sparked the fire. Other reports indicate that a spark or blast in the bus’s air‑conditioning system could have ignited engine lubricating oil, allowing the flames to spread quickly.
Aftermath and Support for Victims
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, with the Prime Minister announcing a Rs200,000 payout from the National Relief Fund for each victim’s next of kin and Rs50,000 for each injured passenger. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered similar compensation. A woman who survived the incident is receiving treatment at Aarogyadhara Hospital in Jewar; she was traveling to Mahoba with her husband after a family bereavement.
Some passengers with minor injuries were allowed to continue to Mahoba in private vehicles or through special transport arranged by officials. The investigation remains ongoing, and no definitive cause has yet been announced.
Key facts
- Nine fatalities and multiple injuries on a sleeper bus in Greater Noida
- Passengers warned of a burning smell and smoking, but were ignored
- Investigations point to a possible short circuit or AC fault
- Driver and conductor arrested; case filed
- Compensation announced by central and state governments
Why it matters
The incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures on long‑haul buses and the need for passengers to be empowered to report hazards promptly.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the bus to catch fire?
Preliminary investigations point to a short circuit or a fault in the air‑conditioning system, but the exact cause is still under review.
Who is responsible for the incident?
The driver and conductor have been arrested, and authorities are investigating whether negligence or a mechanical failure contributed to the tragedy.
What compensation is available for victims’ families?
The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund and the Uttar Pradesh government each offer Rs200,000 per deceased victim’s next of kin and Rs50,000 for each injured passenger.
Will bus safety regulations change after this incident?
Officials have indicated that stricter enforcement of safety protocols, especially regarding smoking bans and electrical inspections, will be considered.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “India Bus Fire on Yamuna Expressway: Passengers Warned of Burning Smell Before Blaze, 9 Dead, Driver Arrested”
