The deadly Yamuna Expressway bus fire has raised serious questions over passenger safety after the FIR alleged that warnings about a burning smell were not acted upon promptly. At least nine passengers died after the sleeper bus caught fire near the 33-km milestone in Greater Noida’s Jewar area, while several others were injured while trying to escape the flames. Police have arrested the driver and cleaner as the investigation examines the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
A night journey from Delhi to Agra turned into a tragedy on the Yamuna Expressway after a private sleeper bus caught fire, killing at least nine passengers and leaving several others injured.
According to the FIR, the Raj Kalpana Travels bus, bearing registration number BR32PA8647, had started from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate and was carrying around 30 to 35 passengers. The vehicle was travelling towards Agra when passengers reportedly noticed a burning smell after the bus had crossed about 33 kilometres.
The complaint alleges that passengers informed the driver and conductor about the smell but the vehicle was not stopped immediately. Shortly afterwards, flames were reportedly noticed around the driver’s seat before the fire rapidly spread through the bus.
The FIR has alleged negligence by the driver and conductor, particularly over the response to passengers’ warnings and the delay in stopping the vehicle. It further alleges that the driver and cleaner continued smoking despite passengers objecting to smoking inside the bus.
According to the complaint, some passengers who raised objections were allegedly told to remain quiet, with the driver and conductor reportedly laughing at their concerns. These allegations are part of the police case and will be examined during the investigation.
As the fire intensified, thick smoke reportedly filled the passenger compartment. Several people were asleep when the blaze broke out, leaving limited time to react. Some passengers reportedly attempted to escape by jumping from the burning vehicle.
The seriously injured were taken to Kailash Hospital in Jewar, where nine people were declared dead, according to the FIR. Several others suffered injuries and are undergoing treatment.
The blaze also destroyed passengers’ personal belongings, including bags and mobile phones.
Police have arrested the driver and cleaner in connection with the incident. Investigators are examining whether the fire originated in the engine area. A possible short circuit has emerged as preliminary information, but officials have not yet established the definitive cause.
The investigation is also focusing on the bus’s safety arrangements. Authorities are checking whether emergency exits and windows were functional and whether passengers received adequate warning after the fire was detected. The vehicle’s documents, route permit and other regulatory requirements are also being examined.
Inspector Ajay Kumar Singh has been assigned the investigation.
The incident has drawn concern over safety standards for private sleeper buses, particularly those operating overnight on long-distance routes. Questions surrounding emergency exits, fire-prevention equipment, passenger awareness and the conduct of drivers and crew are expected to form part of the wider probe.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives and spoke to the families of the victims. Authorities have also begun the process of identifying the deceased and assisting the injured.
While the FIR contains allegations concerning the actions of the driver and cleaner, the investigation will determine the precise sequence of events and establish individual responsibility. The exact technical cause of the fire also remains to be confirmed by the authorities.
Leave Your Comment