Greater Noida. Late last night a fierce blaze erupted inside a sleeper coach traveling on the Yamuna Expressway close to Jewar Airport, resulting in the death of nine passengers and injuring many others. Emergency teams from police and local administration rushed to the scene to mount a rescue operation.
Preliminary reports indicate the vehicle had set out from Kashmiri Gate in Delhi bound for Rath, a town in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, carrying roughly 30‑35 occupants. Around 11:30 p.m., the bus was spotted near kilometre 33 of the expressway while heading from Noida towards Agra.
According to a complaint lodged by passenger Sunil Kumar of Rath, occupants noticed a pungent, burning odor emanating from the cabin and alerted the driver and conductor. The grievance claims the driver failed to halt the bus for a thorough check.
Moments later, flames surged near the driver’s seat and quickly engulfed the entire coach, giving passengers scant time to escape. While a few managed to flee, many were trapped inside the inferno.
The fire claimed nine lives and left several passengers with severe burns. The incident also caused panic among motorists using the expressway. Video footage circulating online shows the bus fully consumed by fire.
Jewar police arrived promptly after being notified, initiating rescue and relief measures. The deceased were taken into custody for subsequent legal procedures. The exact trigger of the fire remains under investigation.
Chief Minister Yogi Orders Immediate Care
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the tragedy, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He instructed authorities to provide comprehensive medical treatment to the injured and to extend all possible assistance to the victims’ relatives, wishing a swift recovery for those hurt.
President Murmu Shares Her Sorrow
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives in a post on X, describing the incident as profoundly distressing and extending her sympathies to the affected families. She also prayed for the quick recuperation of the injured passengers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Sends Condolences
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed his grief, labeling the fatalities as a tragic event and offering condolences to the families of the victims while hoping for rapid healing of the survivors.
Prime Minister Modi Announces Ex‑Gratia Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragedy and announced financial relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Each bereaved family will receive ₹2 lakh, and every injured passenger will be granted ₹50,000 as ex‑gratia assistance.
