9 Passengers Killed After Sleeper Bus Catches Fire on Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida

A major bus accident was reported on the Yamuna Expressway near Greater Noida late Wednesday night. A double-decker sleeper bus caught fire near the Airport Interchange at around the 35-kilometre milestone. The bus was travelling from Delhi towards Mahoba when the incident took place.

According to initial information, the driver noticed a fire developing near the engine area while the bus was travelling on the expressway. The driver stopped the bus near the roadside and attempted to control the fire. However, the flames spread rapidly, making it difficult to evacuate all the passengers.

The driver and conductor reportedly alerted the passengers and asked them to get out of the bus. More than 20 passengers managed to escape during the emergency. However, nine passengers remained trapped inside the bus and later died in the incident.

Soon after the fire was reported, police personnel, fire department teams and Yamuna Expressway security officials reached the spot. Firefighters worked to bring the flames under control. Even after the fire was extinguished, the rescue operation continued for several hours because of the condition of the bus.

Rescue teams had to cut parts of the bus body to reach the passengers trapped inside. The bodies were subsequently taken to the hospital. Since identification was not immediately possible, authorities are using ticket-booking records and other available information to contact the families of the deceased.

DNA testing may also be conducted to confirm the identity of the victims. The administration is collecting information about the passengers and coordinating with their families.

Several passengers who survived the accident were provided medical assistance. After receiving initial treatment, arrangements were made by the administration to send the surviving passengers towards their respective destinations.

Due to the intensity of the fire and the rescue operation, traffic near the Jewar toll area and Airport Interchange was stopped temporarily as a safety measure. During this period, two cars were also reportedly involved in a collision. Traffic was restored after the fire was brought under control and the rescue operation was completed.

The preliminary investigation has indicated the possibility of a spark or blast in the air-conditioning system, followed by a fire in the engine area. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the incident. A detailed investigation is underway.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives in the bus fire. He conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Police and administrative officials are continuing the investigation. Authorities are also working to establish the complete list of passengers, confirm the identities of the deceased and determine the exact circumstances that led to the fire.