Nine Passengers Dead, Several Injured in Sleeper Bus Blaze Near Jewar

Nine Passengers Dead, Several Injured in Sleeper Bus Blaze Near Jewar
Jitendra Kumar
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Nine passengers lost their lives after a private sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Jewar in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, during the night of September 23-24.

The bus was reportedly carrying around 35 passengers and was travelling from Delhi to Mahoba. The fire broke out near Dayanatpur village in the Jewar police station area at approximately 11 pm, according to police sources cited by news agencies.

The incident unfolded while most passengers were asleep. The sudden appearance of fire and smoke created a dangerous situation inside the vehicle. Passengers reportedly struggled to make their way towards safety as the bus rapidly filled with smoke.

Some passengers escaped by breaking or using windows, according to reports. The driver stopped the vehicle and emergency services were alerted. Firefighters subsequently reached the location and began rescue and firefighting operations.

The fire was eventually brought under control, but nine people had died. A report from DT Next said 20 passengers were rescued safely, while other reports described several passengers as injured.

The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. Officials were also involved in identifying the deceased and informing their families.

The vehicle was reportedly operated by Raj Kalpana Travels and carried Bihar registration number BR32PA8647, according to reports. The bus had reportedly begun its journey from Kashmere Gate in Delhi before travelling along the expressway.

The cause of the fire is one of the central questions in the investigation. Police have said that a preliminary assessment indicates a possible short circuit in the air-conditioning system. However, officials have not yet confirmed the final cause, and a detailed investigation is continuing.

Police have also taken action against the bus crew. The driver and conductor were arrested, and an FIR was registered under provisions relating to culpable homicide. Investigators are expected to examine whether the crew responded appropriately after the fire was detected and whether passengers had sufficient opportunity to escape.

A report published by Telegraph India based on PTI information said passengers had allegedly alerted the driver and helper after noticing a burning smell and smoke. The FIR reportedly contains allegations that the warnings were not acted upon for a considerable period. Such allegations remain part of the investigation and would need to be established through the legal process.

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed officials to ensure medical treatment for the injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those who died and instructed officials to provide necessary assistance.

The accident has raised questions about fire safety standards in sleeper buses. Unlike conventional buses, sleeper coaches contain enclosed sleeping compartments where smoke can spread quickly and passengers may be disoriented after waking suddenly.

Experts and authorities will need to examine the vehicle’s electrical wiring, air-conditioning equipment, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and other safety features as part of the investigation.

The full circumstances surrounding the tragedy are expected to become clearer once investigators complete their examination and obtain statements from survivors, crew members and other witnesses.

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar
Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.