Greater Noida, September 24, 2026: A devastating late-night bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Jewar in Greater Noida claimed the lives of nine passengers, while more than 20 others were rescued after a sleeper bus carrying around 30–35 people was engulfed in flames. The incident occurred late Wednesday night, sending shockwaves across the region.
According to officials, the Bihar-registered bus, bearing registration number BR32PA8647, was travelling from Kashmere Gate in New Delhi towards Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh when it caught fire near the 33-kilometre milestone of the Yamuna Expressway, in the Jewar police station area. The blaze was reported at around 11–11:30 pm.
Most passengers were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out. The flames spread rapidly through the vehicle, while thick smoke made it difficult for passengers to find their way out. Several people managed to escape through the windows as panic spread inside the bus. Survivors described a chaotic scene as passengers scrambled to get out of the burning vehicle.
Firefighters Rush to Spot, Rescue Operation Launched
After receiving information about the blaze, police personnel, local authorities and fire service teams immediately rushed to the spot. A rescue tender, a fire tender stationed at the Jewar toll plaza and four additional fire tenders were deployed to control the flames and rescue passengers. More than 20 people were safely evacuated during the operation.
Once the fire was brought under control, rescue personnel entered the heavily damaged bus and found nine passengers dead inside. Officials said the victims appeared to have died from burn injuries and suffocation. The authorities were working to establish the identities of all those who died.
Possible AC Fault Under Investigation
A preliminary investigation indicated that a spark or possible blast in the bus’s air-conditioning system may have caused engine lubricating oil to catch fire, after which the flames spread rapidly. However, officials have stressed that the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The FIR also contains allegations that some passengers noticed a burning smell coming from the driver’s cabin before the fire intensified and alerted the driver and conductor. Police are investigating these allegations as part of the broader probe into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Driver and Conductor Taken Into Custody
Police have registered a case in connection with the incident, and the driver and conductor have been taken into custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are examining whether any safety protocols were followed and whether the bus crew responded appropriately after passengers reported the smell of burning.
Yogi Adityanath Announces Relief
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the tragedy, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. The state government has announced ₹2 lakh financial assistance for the families of each deceased passenger.
The incident has once again raised concerns over passenger safety on long-distance sleeper buses, particularly regarding fire prevention, emergency exits, electrical and air-conditioning systems, and the preparedness of operators to handle emergencies.
The investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the deaths is ongoing.
