Greater Noida Bus Fire: 9 killed after Sleeper Tourist bus catches fire on Yamuna Expressway
A sleeper tourist bus, which burst into flames late on Wednesday night on Uttar Pradesh’s Yamuna Expressway, killed at least nine people, including one woman, and injured others, authorities said. There were approximately 35 passengers on board the Tourist bus, some sleeping at the time of the fire.
The bus was travelling from Delhi towards Mahoba when it caught fire. But before it could be done, fire and heavy smoke quickly filled the vehicle and passengers were evacuated through the windows.
AC Blast Suspected Behind Fire
Police, per the preliminary investigation, believe the fire could have begun from a loud noise heard in the cooling unit of the bus. The explosion reportedly engulfed the engine’s lubricating oil and quickly swept across inside the vehicle, officials said.
The incident caused panics among passengers. Survivors reported problems leaving when the fire was on board the sleeper bus. NDTV spoke with one of the survivors who said all passengers were sleeping when someone suddenly shouted “alarm” and the people got out of the trains.
After getting information about the incident, Firefighters and officers from Jewar police station immediately reached the place. On the side of the expressway, the bus was discovered to have been completely engulfed in flames.
PM Modi and Yogi Announce Compensation
Prime Minister Modi announced that an ex gratis payment of Rs 2 lakh has been decided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each person who died. Travellers who are injured, will get Rs 50,000 apiece.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the family members of the victims of the tragedy and asked the officials to take medical care of those who suffered injuries. He further stated that the families of those killed will be paid Rs 2 lakh while the injured would be compensated by Rs 50,000.
The cause of the fire, including possible AC malfunction and circumstances prior to the incident, are being investigated by the authorities.