Fire in moving sleeper bus on Yamuna Expressway kills 9

A sleeper bus travelling on the Yamuna Expressway caught fire on Monday, engulfing the entire vehicle within moments. Around 40 to 50 passengers were on board at the time. Nine people were burnt to death in the blaze.

According to reports, panic broke out among passengers as soon as the fire started. Many jumped straight out of the bus's windows and doors to save themselves. The incident took place in the area under Jewar police station, about 32 kilometres from the zero point of the Yamuna Expressway. The bus was travelling from Delhi to Mahoba.

A woman passenger who escaped the fire recounted the terrifying night. "I was sleeping when someone suddenly banged on the door. When I woke up there was a stampede and panic all through the bus. The whole bus had filled with smoke, nothing was visible and it was becoming hard to breathe," she said.

She further said, "I ran out without my shoes or any belongings, just my phone in my hand. There was so much pushing at the door that people were falling on top of each other. Someone pulled me out from behind. Only those who managed to push their way out survived. Many people behind me remained trapped and could not get out because of the smoke and flames."

Several fire engines and a team from Jewar police station reached the spot as soon as news of the accident came in. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after a considerable struggle. It was initially feared that some passengers were trapped inside the bus. According to information given by Joint CP Rajeev Narayan Mishra, nine deaths in the accident have been officially confirmed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken serious note of the accident. The Chief Minister expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed. He has also given strict instructions to administrative officials to ensure immediate and proper treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister has ordered officials to contact the families of the deceased and provide all possible assistance, and wished the injured a quick and full recovery.