Greater Noida. Late last night a sleeper coach caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway close to Jewar Airport, resulting in nine fatalities and leaving dozens with burn injuries. The blaze sparked an immediate rescue drive as police, fire‑fighters and state officials rushed to the scene.
According to early reports, the vehicle had set out from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate bound for Rath in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, carrying roughly 30‑35 passengers. Around 11:30 p.m. it was nearing kilometre‑33 of the expressway, travelling north‑south between Noida and Agra.
Passengers reported a pungent, burning odor inside the cabin. Sunil Kumar, a traveller from Rath, lodged a complaint stating that the driver and conductor were warned but the bus was not halted for a thorough check. Moments later, flames erupted near the driver’s seat and quickly engulfed the entire coach, giving occupants scant time to escape. While a few managed to flee, many were trapped.
The inferno claimed nine lives and inflicted severe burns on several others, causing panic among motorists on the highway. Video footage circulating online shows the coach fully consumed by fire.
Jewar police arrived promptly after being alerted, launching rescue and relief operations. The deceased were taken into custody for legal procedures. Investigators have not yet determined the precise cause of the fire and are probing the incident’s circumstances.
Chief Minister Yogi Orders Immediate Care
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the tragedy, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He instructed state officials to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured and to extend every possible assistance to the victims’ relatives, also wishing a swift recovery to those hurt.
President Murmu Sends Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing the episode as “deeply distressing” in a post on X. She extended her sympathies to the families and prayed for the quick healing of the injured passengers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Tribute
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his grief, labeling the bus fire as a tragic event and offering condolences to the families while hoping for speedy recoveries for the survivors.
Prime Minister Modi Announces Ex‑Gratia Payments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the casualties and announced financial relief through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Each family of the deceased will receive ₹2 lakh, while every injured passenger is slated to get ₹50,000 as compensation.
