CM Yogi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Aid for Bus Fire Victims

Directions for Medical Care

He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for those injured in the accident and wished for their speedy recovery, extending his response beyond financial compensation to include direct instructions on the ongoing care of survivors.

Suspected Cause of the Fire

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from a spark or blast in the bus's air conditioning system, which ignited the engine's lubricating oil and caused the fire to spread rapidly.

Action Against the Driver and Conductor

The driver and conductor were taken into custody, and a case was registered under relevant sections, officials said, indicating that the investigation is also examining potential responsibility on the part of those operating the vehicle.

Where and How the Fire Broke Out

According to officials, the bus, travelling from Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi, towards UP's Mahoba, caught fire suddenly near the 33 km milestone on the Yamuna Expressway, within the jurisdiction of the Jewar Police Station, triggering panic among passengers, many of whom jumped out of the windows to save themselves.

Identifying the Deceased

The Jewar Police are making efforts to identify the deceased, a process that remains ongoing given the severity of the injuries sustained in the fire.

Legal Proceedings Underway

"A case has been registered under relevant sections regarding the incident, and both the driver and the conductor have been taken into custody. Further necessary legal proceedings are underway," officials said.

Passenger Toll

More than 30 passengers were reportedly travelling on the bus when it suddenly caught fire. Nine passengers, including a woman, were trapped inside and burnt alive in the massive blaze.

Emergency Response to the Fire

Upon receiving the information, senior police officials, accompanied by the local police force, a rescue tender, and a fire tender stationed at the Jewar Toll Plaza, responded, according to the officials. Four additional fire tenders and a fire service unit immediately rushed to the scene and completely extinguished the fire.

Passengers Who Were Rescued

According to the officials, more than 20 passengers were safely evacuated, offering some relief amid the broader tragedy even as the fire proved fatal for those trapped inside.

A Difficult Rescue Operation

"Despite the heavy smoke, the police team and fire service unit made strenuous efforts to enter the bus; it was discovered that nine individuals had died inside, apparently due to burns or suffocation," rescue personnel said, describing the challenging conditions faced during the rescue effort.

Renewed Questions Over Bus Safety

The incident has once again raised questions over the safety arrangements and precautions followed by buses, particularly those operating on long-distance routes, an issue that has resurfaced following previous incidents of a similar nature.

Concerns Over Excess Luggage

According to a preliminary report, the bus was carrying a large quantity of luggage, including baggage loaded on its roof. The presence of a substantial amount of luggage has also drawn attention in the wake of the fire, adding another factor investigators are likely to examine as they determine the full circumstances behind the blaze.

A Recurring Pattern of Bus Fire Incidents

Fires involving buses of this nature have occurred in the past as well, raising concerns over passenger safety and the need for adequate emergency arrangements in such vehicles, underscoring that Chief Minister Yogi's compensation announcement comes against the backdrop of a broader, recurring safety concern affecting long-distance bus travel across the state and the country more broadly.