Noida, Sept. 24 -- Nine passengers were killed after a bus travelling from Delhi to Mahoba caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Jewar late Wednesday night, with more than 20 people rescued from the vehicle, officials said on Thursday.
The bus, bearing registration number BR32PA8647, was carrying 35 passengers when the fire broke out near the 33-km milestone under the Jewar police station area at around 11.20 pm. The deceased included one woman and eight men, while the bodies have been sent to a mortuary for identification.
Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar said police and fire personnel, including four fire tenders and a rescue vehicle, reached the spot and brought the blaze under control. Nine people were found dead inside the bus, apparently due to burns or suffocation. One woman remains hospitalised, while several injured passengers were taken towards Mahoba for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation indicated that a spark or blast in the air-conditioning system may have caused engine lubricant oil to catch fire, allowing the flames to spread rapidly. Authorities said the exact cause is being investigated.
However, an FIR filed on a passenger's complaint alleges that travellers noticed a burning smell near the driver's cabin and warned the driver and conductor before the fire broke out. The complaint alleges that the warnings were ignored and that the bus was not stopped immediately. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation. Passenger Rekha said smoke filled the bus after the fire erupted near the driver's side and that people scrambled to escape. She said she managed to get out and fell onto the road.
The driver and conductor have been taken into custody, and an FIR has been registered at Jewar police station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. "Distressed to hear about the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy on a bus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The iniured would be given Rs. 50,000" PM posted on X
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took cognisance of the incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those killed. He also directed officials to ensure treatment of the injured and assistance to the affected families.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.