Greater Noida – Late Tuesday night a sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near the Jewar Airport, resulting in nine fatalities and numerous burn injuries. The blaze sparked a swift emergency response as police, fire services and local officials rushed to the scene.

According to early reports, the vehicle had left Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate bound for Rath in Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh, carrying roughly 30‑35 passengers. Around 11:30 p.m. it was travelling past kilometre‑33 of the expressway, heading from Noida toward Agra, when a strong acrid odor was detected inside the cabin.

Passenger Sunil Kumar, a resident of Rath, filed a complaint stating that the driver and conductor were informed about the smell but the bus continued without stopping for a thorough check. Moments later, flames erupted near the driver’s seat and quickly engulfed the entire coach, giving passengers only seconds to escape.

Rescue teams recovered nine bodies and evacuated several injured passengers to nearby hospitals. A video circulating on social media shows the bus fully consumed by fire, while motorists on the expressway halted in panic.

Chief Minister Yogi Directs Immediate Assistance

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his deep sorrow to the families of the deceased. He ordered that all injured victims receive prompt medical care and instructed the state administration to provide comprehensive support to the bereaved families.

President Murmu Sends Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu took to X to convey her heartfelt condolences, describing the incident as “deeply distressing” and praying for a swift recovery of those injured.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Reaction

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also voiced his grief, labeling the tragedy as “heart‑breaking” and extending his sympathies to the victims’ relatives.

Prime Minister Modi Announces Ex‑Gratia Payments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the loss of life and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. The next of kin of each deceased passenger will receive ₹2 lakh, while every injured passenger will be granted ₹50,000 as immediate relief.

The investigation into the exact cause of the fire remains ongoing, with police examining all possible factors.