- Driver allegedly ignored burning smell warnings from passengers.
- Nine people died in the tragic Yamuna Expressway bus fire.
- Driver and conductor arrested for alleged negligence in Greater Noida.
A burning smell inside a passenger bus reportedly raised an alarm moments before a deadly fire broke out on the Yamuna Expressway, but the driver allegedly dismissed the passengers’ concerns and continued driving. "If you want to die, then die; we won't stop the bus," the driver said, according to the FIR as quoted by PTI.
Soon after, flames emerged near the driver’s seat, leaving passengers scrambling to escape as smoke rapidly filled the bus. Nine people died, and several were injured in the incident.
The allegations have emerged in a complaint filed by passenger Suneel Kumar at Jewar police station. Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against the bus driver and conductor for alleged negligence.
What Happened Inside The Bus?
Suneel, a resident of Mohalla Khushipura under Rath police station in Hamirpur district, said he was travelling in Raj Kalpana Travels bus (BR32PA8647), which had departed from Kashmiri Gate in Delhi for Rath on Wednesday night. There were around 30-35 passengers aboard.
At approximately 11:30 pm, while the bus was passing the 33rd kilometre of the Noida-Agra stretch of the Yamuna Expressway, passengers reportedly detected a burning smell coming from the driver’s cabin. Several passengers allegedly alerted the driver and conductor.
Driver Allegedly Refused To Stop
According to Suneel’s complaint, the driver did not consider the smell a serious warning and allegedly told passengers that the bus “smells of burning all the time”. The vehicle was not stopped to determine the source of the smell.
The complaint also alleges that the driver and conductor were smoking bidis and cigarettes in the cabin. The situation reportedly took a dangerous turn soon afterwards.
Flames Erupt Near Driver’s Seat
Suneel alleged that flames suddenly appeared near the driver’s seat. Passengers began shouting and asking the driver to stop the bus. The complaint further alleges that the driver and conductor were laughing at the time and refused to stop the bus.
The fire then spread quickly through the bus, with thick smoke making it difficult for passengers to find their way out.
ALSO READ: Greater Noida: Nine Killed, Several Injured After Sleeper Bus Catches Fire On Yamuna Expressway
When the bus eventually stopped, Suneel and several other passengers managed to escape. However, some passengers remained trapped inside as the flames and smoke engulfed the vehicle.
The police have arrested the driver and the conductor in connection with the case, with further investigation underway.