Tragic Bus Fire in Greater Noida Claims Nine Lives
Devastating Incident on Yamuna Expressway
Greater Noida. A catastrophic fire erupted late Wednesday night in a moving sleeper bus on the Yamuna Expressway, resulting in the deaths of nine passengers. The incident occurred near Jewar, approximately 33 kilometers along the expressway. The bus was en route from Delhi's Kashmiri Gate to Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh. The flames spread rapidly, leaving many passengers with no chance to escape.
Emergency services, including police and fire brigades, arrived promptly at the scene. According to officials, the bus was carrying around 30 to 35 passengers. Some managed to escape, while others were trapped inside. Rescuers recovered nine bodies from within the bus.
Passengers had reportedly sensed a burning smell before the fire broke out.
According to a complaint filed with the police, several passengers noted a burning odor emanating from the driver's cabin. They allegedly urged the driver and conductor to stop the bus for an inspection, but their requests were ignored. The police are currently investigating these claims.
Shortly after, flames were seen near the driver's seat, quickly engulfing a significant portion of the bus. The smoke made it extremely difficult for passengers to exit. Some had to jump from the moving vehicle to save themselves.
Following the incident, the bus's documentation and traffic records have come under scrutiny. Reports indicate that the bus had accumulated 19 fines for various violations, totaling approximately 1.75 lakh rupees. These included infractions related to underage driving, retrofitting, fuel regulations, and permit issues.
Earlier this year, a fine was issued for allowing an underage driver to operate the bus. Additional violations concerning fuel and retrofitting were recorded in June 2025. In light of these findings, investigations into the transport system and the bus's fitness are underway.
Reports from a media channel indicate that the bus was registered with the Madhubani transport department in Bihar, while its owner is linked to Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh. The operating company associated with the bus is Raj Kalpana Travels, and investigations are ongoing regarding documents and records from various states.
The technical condition of the bus, along with its permits, fitness, and safety standards, is now under examination. Investigative agencies are trying to determine whether the bus met all safety requirements for road operation.
The driver and conductor have been taken into custody by the police. An FIR has been filed, and an investigation into the incident has commenced. A technical inquiry is also being conducted to ascertain the actual cause of the fire. Initial investigations suggest a malfunction in the bus's air conditioning system may be a potential cause, but the final determination will be made after the investigation concludes.
The identification process for the nine deceased passengers is ongoing, with several others rescued and injured individuals sent to hospitals for treatment. Following the incident, local authorities initiated relief and rescue operations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences regarding the tragedy and instructed officials to provide all possible assistance to the affected families. Financial aid of 2 lakh rupees will be given to the families of the deceased, while injured passengers will receive 50,000 rupees.
This tragic event has raised serious concerns about safety measures in long-distance private buses, particularly regarding the bus's previous traffic violations and permit and fitness issues.
Currently, police and relevant departments are investigating the causes of the incident, the bus's technical condition, the roles of the driver and conductor, and the vehicle's documentation. The investigation will clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine accountability.