9 Killed After AC Blast Triggers Fire On Sleeper Bus On Noida Highway

At least 9 people, including a woman, were burnt to death, and many were injured, after a sleeper tourist bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida on late Wednesday night. There were 35 passengers travelling on the bus when it suddenly caught fire.

According to the police officials, the preliminary investigation revealed that the fire originated from a blast in the bus's air conditioning system, which ignited the engine's lubricating oil and caused the fire to spread rapidly.

The bus was travelling from Noida to Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba, which is in Bundelkhand region of the state, via Yamuna Expressway when a fire broke out. Most passengers were asleep at that time.

The fire triggered chaos, prompting several passengers to escape by jumping out through the bus windows.

Greater Noida Bus Fire: A double-decker bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway.

The bus was seen burning intensely on the side of the expressway, with flames rapidly engulfing the vehicle.

Upon receiving the information, a fire brigade team and personnel from the Jewar police station reached the spot and began rescue and relief operations.

PM Modi Announces Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the family of the nine people who died, while Rs 50,000 will be provided to each injured person.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Announces Compensation

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took stock of the situation and expressed his condolences to the families of those who died. He also directed officials to ensure proper treatment for those injured.

He directed the officials to provide all possible assistance to the families of those who died and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families and Rs 50,000 each for those injured in the incident.

Greater Noida Bus Fire: The bus was seen burning intensely on the side of the expressway.

"Was Asleep When Someone Banged The Door"

"I was asleep when someone banged on the door. When I woke up, there was already a huge crowd. I didn't pick up any of my belongings; I didn't even put on my shoes. I just grabbed my phone and stepped out. It was so crowded that people were shoving each other. I was pushed around, and someone eventually pulled me out. I don't remember anything else after that. It was completely filled with smoke; the scene was chaotic, and getting out was extremely difficult," a passenger recalled.

Greater Noida Bus Fire: The fire triggered chaos, prompting several passengers to escape by jumping out through the bus windows. Photo Credit: IANS

The passenger said it was smoky and nothing was visible. "It was so smoky that nothing was visible; people were suffocating inside. Very few managed to escape, only those who could push their way out amidst the shoving...Many people lost their lives...There were quite a few people behind me who probably couldn't make it out, as I myself got out quite late," she said.

A case has been registered, and the driver and conductor have been arrested.