Greater Noida – A night‑time inferno engulfed a sleeper bus travelling on the Yamuna Expressway close to Jewar Airport, resulting in nine fatalities and a number of severe burn injuries. Emergency crews, police and local administrators rushed to the site to mount a rescue operation.
How the tragedy unfolded
According to early reports, the bus had set off from Kashmiri Gate in Delhi bound for Rath, a town in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, carrying roughly 30‑35 passengers. At about 11:30 p.m. it reached the stretch near kilometre 33 of the expressway while heading south‑west from Noida toward Agra.
Passengers soon detected a faint, acrid odor emanating from within the cabin. One traveler, Sunil Kumar of Rath, lodged a formal complaint stating that the driver and conductor were informed of the smell, yet the vehicle continued without stopping for a thorough check.
Moments later, flames erupted close to the driver’s seat and quickly spread throughout the coach, giving occupants scant time to evacuate. While a few managed to escape, many were trapped inside the rapidly consuming fire.
Casualties and immediate response
The blaze claimed nine lives and left several others with burn injuries of varying severity. Witnesses reported panic among motorists travelling the expressway as the bus became a towering column of fire. A video circulating on social media captures the harrowing scene of the bus alight.
Jewar police arrived promptly after being alerted, initiating rescue and relief measures. The deceased were taken into police custody for subsequent legal procedures. The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Reactions from political leaders
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and ordered that the injured receive immediate medical attention and all possible assistance.
President Droupadi Murmu posted a statement on X, describing the incident as “deeply distressing” and extending her sympathies to the victims’ families while wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his grief, labeling the loss of life as tragic and urging authorities to support the affected families.
Prime Minister’s compensation package
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement of condolence, announced financial aid for the victims. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will disburse ₹2 lakh to each family of the deceased and ₹50,000 to every injured passenger.
“Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones. The government will ensure they receive the support they need,” the Prime Minister said.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the exact trigger of the fire and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
