Greater Noida, Sept 24: A tragic fire aboard a private sleeper bus on the Yamuna Expressway resulted in nine fatalities and left multiple passengers injured in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district. The overnight journey from Delhi to Mahoba turned fatal when flames swept through the vehicle while most occupants were sleeping.
Emergency services dispatched multiple fire tenders to contain the heavy blaze and carry out rescue operations through the night. Police officials noted that early assessments point towards a potential electrical short circuit within the air-conditioning system as the cause of the fire.
Law enforcement authorities acted swiftly following the incident, arresting both the driver and the conductor of the tourist bus. A formal case under relevant sections concerning culpable homicide has been registered at the Jewar police station.
Recounting the ordeal, surviving passengers reported waking up to heavy smoke and intense pushing as occupants attempted to exit the burning bus. Statements from survivors highlighted that low visibility and rapidly spreading smoke made escape extremely difficult for those seated towards the rear. Further official reports regarding the condition of the injured and detailed technical inspections of the vehicle are awaited.
