Home / Disasters and Accidents / Bus Inferno: Driver Ignored Warnings, Passengers Perished
Bus Inferno: Driver Ignored Warnings, Passengers Perished
24 Sep
Summary
- Driver allegedly ignored passenger warnings about a burning smell.
- Nine passengers died as the bus caught fire on Yamuna Expressway.
- Driver and conductor reportedly fled the scene after the fire.
A devastating bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway late last Wednesday night claimed the lives of nine individuals, including one woman and eight men. The tragedy unfolded as the sleeper bus, carrying approximately 30-35 passengers, caught fire while in motion. According to the FIR filed by a passenger, the driver allegedly disregarded urgent warnings from passengers about a distinct burning smell emanating from the driver's cabin.
Despite passenger alerts, the driver reportedly dismissed their concerns, stating the smell was common. The FIR further alleges that both the driver and conductor continued smoking in the cabin, exacerbating the danger. Flames suddenly erupted near the driver's seat shortly after, and despite passengers' frantic pleas to stop, the driver and conductor allegedly refused, telling them "Go die, we will not stop the bus."
As the fire rapidly spread and smoke filled the bus, passengers desperately tried to escape. Nine individuals remained trapped and perished, while others managed to jump out or were rescued by bystanders. The bus, operated by Raj Kalpana Travels, had numerous unpaid traffic violations, including charges for speeding and lacking a permit. Police have detained two drivers and a conductor in connection with the incident.
