At least nine passengers were killed and several others injured after an AC sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, late Wednesday night. The bus was travelling from Noida to Mahoba with around 35 passengers on board, according to police.
The fire broke out around 11pm near Dayanatpur village in the Jewar area. Many passengers were asleep when the blaze started, making it difficult for them to escape as smoke and flames rapidly spread through the bus. Around 20 passengers were rescued, according to officials.
Fire Spread Rapidly Through Bus
Greater Noida police said the initial investigation indicated that a spark or blast in the bus’s air-conditioning system may have caused engine lubricating oil to catch fire. Authorities said the exact cause remains under investigation.
Passengers attempted to escape through the doors and windows after noticing the fire. Rescue teams and firefighters reached the scene and worked to evacuate those trapped inside.
The nine victims, including a woman, died from burns and suffocation, according to police. Their bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations, while efforts were made to identify and inform their families.
Driver and Conductor Detained
Police said the bus driver and conductor left the scene after the fire and were later detained. A detailed investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any safety violations contributed to the deaths.
An FIR filed following a passenger’s complaint also alleges that passengers noticed a burning smell before the fire intensified and asked the driver to stop. Those allegations are part of the investigation and have not been established as final findings.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those killed and directed officials to ensure medical treatment for the injured and assistance for affected families.
Investigation Underway
The incident has also drawn renewed attention to safety arrangements on sleeper buses operating on Indian highways. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to the high number of casualties.