New Delhi: At least 9 passengers were killed and several others injured after a tourist sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Jewar in Greater Noida late Wednesday night. The moving bus suddenly turned into a fireball, trapping passengers inside as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly.
The horrifying incident took place when many passengers were asleep during the journey. As the fire broke out, panic spread inside the bus, with travelers waking up to a nightmare of smoke, screams and blazing flames. Several passengers managed to escape by breaking windows and jumping out of the burning vehicle, while others suffered injuries during the rescue attempt.
Midnight horror on expressway leaves passengers fighting for survival
The bus was traveling on the Yamuna Expressway when the blaze erupted near the Jewar area. Within minutes, the fire intensified and engulfed a major part of the vehicle, leaving passengers with very little time to react.
Survivors described scenes of chaos inside the bus as people rushed towards exits amid poor visibility caused by heavy smoke. Some passengers tried to break windows to make their way out, while others jumped from the bus to escape the flames.
Several injured passengers were immediately shifted for medical treatment following the accident. Emergency teams reached the spot and carried out rescue operations while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
Cause of fire under investigation
Police and fire department officials reached the site after receiving information about the incident. The damaged bus was removed from the expressway and authorities started investigating the reason behind the sudden fire.
Officials are also examining safety arrangements, vehicle condition and emergency measures followed by the bus operator.
The tragic accident has once again brought attention to passenger safety in long-distance buses, including fire prevention systems, emergency exits and regular vehicle inspections.