Greater Noida. A horrifying fire erupted inside a sleeper bus travelling on the Yamuna Expressway close to Jewar Airport late Tuesday night, killing nine passengers and injuring many more. Police and emergency teams rushed to the scene to launch a large‑scale rescue operation.
Preliminary reports indicate the bus had left Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate bound for Rath in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, with roughly 30‑35 occupants. At about 11:30 p.m. the vehicle reached kilometre 33 of the expressway while heading from Noida toward Agra.
According to a complaint lodged by passenger Sunil Kumar of Rath, occupants sensed a strong burning odor inside the cabin and alerted the driver and conductor. However, the bus allegedly continued moving instead of stopping for a safety check.
Moments later, flames ignited near the driver’s seat and rapidly engulfed the entire coach, giving passengers scant time to escape. While a few managed to flee, many were trapped and succumbed to the blaze.
Authorities confirmed nine fatalities and several severe burn injuries. The incident also caused panic among other motorists on the expressway, and a video of the inferno quickly circulated online.
Jewar police arrived promptly, securing the wreckage and beginning recovery and medical assistance. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Chief Minister Yogi Directs Immediate Care
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the tragedy, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims' families. He instructed officials to provide comprehensive medical treatment to the injured and to extend all possible support to the bereaved.
President Murmu’s Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in a post on X, describing the incident as “deeply distressing” and offering her sympathies to the affected families while wishing a swift recovery for the wounded.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Message
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed grief, labeling the deaths as tragic and sending his condolences to the relatives of the victims, along with best wishes for the speedy recuperation of those injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Ex‑Gratia Payments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the calamity and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. The government will provide ₹2 lakh to each family of the deceased and ₹50,000 to every injured passenger.
