A sleeper bus on the Yamuna Expressway in India catches fire and nine passengers die, with survivors describing smoke and panic as people try to escape. The incident occurs late at night near Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, when flames break out on a bus travelling from Delhi toward Mahoba/Mahua, according to reports. Several injured passengers are taken to local hospitals.
Accounts from passengers and officials describe similar conditions inside the bus before the fire spreads. Multiple outlets say passengers report smelling smoke and urge the driver to pull over, but the crew does not cooperate as expected. The Hindu and Times of India both cite a smoke-filled interior and a frantic escape, with some trapped as the fire intensifies. Eight passengers are reported to have suffered severe burns. After the incident, Indian authorities arrest the driver and conductor, with The Hindu citing culpable homicide and Times of India describing negligence.
Different outlets emphasize particular details, including the timing and route wording, and whether passengers jump from windows. All accounts, however, link the deaths and injuries to the bus fire and agree that the driver and conductor face arrest as part of the investigation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announces financial assistance for victims’ families and injured passengers.
