Greater Noida Bus Fire: Driver Allegedly Refused to Stop as 9 Passengers Died, FIR Reveals

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Driver ignored warnings about the burning smell.
9 passengers died in the Greater Noida bus fire.
AC system blast suspected as the fire’s cause.

A devastating bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Greater Noida has raised serious questions about passenger safety after the FIR revealed that travellers had complained of a burning smell shortly before the vehicle caught fire. According to the FIR, the driver and conductor allegedly dismissed the warnings and continued smoking inside the sleeper bus.

The Bihar-registered tourist bus was travelling from Delhi to Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh with more than 35 passengers when the fire broke out. Nine people were killed and several others sustained injuries as flames and thick smoke rapidly engulfed the vehicle.

Greater Noida Bus Fire: Passengers Warned Driver About Burning Smell

According to details recorded in the FIR, passengers noticed a burning odour while the bus was travelling on the expressway. They reportedly informed the driver about the smell and asked him to check the vehicle.

The passengers had earlier objected to the driver and conductor smoking cigarettes inside the bus. Instead of taking the warning seriously, the two allegedly laughed at the passengers and told them to remain quiet.

The burning smell reportedly became stronger as the bus continued moving. Despite repeated warnings from passengers, the driver allegedly said that such a smell was common inside the vehicle and did not stop to inspect it.

The FIR further states that the driver and conductor continued smoking even after passengers raised concerns.

Minutes later, flames reportedly appeared near the front portion of the bus.

As passengers began screaming and trying to escape, the driver allegedly told them that he would not stop the bus and that he did not care if they died. The statement has become a key part of the investigation into the tragedy.

Greater Noida Bus Fire: AC Blast Suspected Behind Rapid Blaze

A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire may have started after a blast in the bus’s air-conditioning system. Investigators suspect that the blast ignited lubricating oil in the engine area, causing the flames to spread quickly through the vehicle.

The situation became particularly dangerous because of the dense smoke inside the bus. Passengers had to struggle to find a way out while the vehicle was rapidly filling with smoke and flames.

Key details from the initial investigation include:

The bus was travelling from Delhi towards Mahoba.
More than 35 people were reportedly travelling on board.
The vehicle was registered in Bihar.
Nine passengers died in the fire.
Several other passengers suffered injuries.
The driver and conductor survived the incident.
Police detained both of them for questioning.

Investigators are examining the exact cause of the fire and whether safety protocols were followed by the bus operator and crew.

Survivors Describe Chaos as Passengers Struggled to Escape

Passengers who survived the incident described terrifying scenes inside the bus. A 64-year-old woman, who was travelling to Mahoba following the death of her mother-in-law, said passengers were asleep when they were suddenly alerted about the fire.

She said the bus quickly filled with smoke and passengers began rushing towards the exit. In the panic, people reportedly pushed and ran over one another while trying to escape.

The woman said her husband was unable to get up and suffered a broken leg. She recalled that there was very little time for passengers to react once the smoke spread through the vehicle.

Another survivor said she was asleep when the fire started. After waking up, she found a large crowd attempting to escape.

She said she did not stop to collect her belongings or even put on her shoes. She grabbed only her phone and attempted to get out of the bus.

According to her account, the escape became chaotic as passengers pushed one another. She said another person eventually helped pull her out of the vehicle.

The survivor also indicated that only some passengers were able to escape through the chaos, raising concerns about how quickly the fire and smoke spread through the bus.

PM Modi Announces Compensation as Bus Safety Records Come Under Scanner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. The Prime Minister’s Office said that families of those who died would receive ₹2 lakh, while injured victims would receive ₹50,000.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed condolences and announced similar compensation. He directed officials to ensure that injured passengers receive appropriate medical treatment.