Greater Noida Bus Fire: FIR Says Driver Ignored Burning Smell, Refused To Stop

A tourist bus carrying more than 35 passengers caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, killing nine people and injuring several others. Passengers did notice burning smell inside the moving bus just before the fire broke out and informed the driver and conductor, according to the FIR.

The driver and conductor were also reportedly found to be smoking on the bus which caused the passengers to complain. The FIR says the two laughed at the objections and requested them to keep quiet.

When the burning became stronger, the passengers again notified the driver. The FIR, however, states that the driver and conductor ignored the warning, stating that that smell was normal in the cab. It was reported that the driver never pulled over to check the bus, and drove off.

The driver had refused to stop, as the flames grew, is allegedly what caused the accident.

Soon the flames started to show up near the front portion of the bus, according to the FIR. Then the driver is alleged to have declined to stop as passengers started yelling and sounding the alarm.

The FIR alleges that the driver had told the passengers that, "I don't care if you die, I won't stop the bus."

The vehicle, registered in Bihar, was en route from Delhi to Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, when it suffered a fire accident. The bus was quickly filled with thick smoke and made it hard for the passengers to get to the exits.

Nine passengers lost their lives in the incident and a few others were injured.

The initial investigation suggested that the fire could have been caused when a blast occurred in the bus's air conditioning system. The incident could have caused engine lubricating oil to burn, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly, investigators said.

The driver and conductor were not wounded in the accident and have been arrested for questioning.

Survivors Describe Chaotic Escape

The passengers who escaped the fire said they had fought their way out of the burning vehicle.

Smoke filled the bus as passengers frantically tried to get out of the bus while en route to Mahoba after her mother-in-law died, a 64-year-old woman told NDTV. Her husband had a broken leg and couldn't get out quickly and other passengers were in a hurry to move by them, she said.

Another survivor said she had been sleeping when she was alerted to the fire. She left her belongings and shoes behind, and was able to take only her cell phone before trying to get away, she said.

Passengers were pushing and shoving trying to get off and some people were being pulled onto the ground by others, she said. She also raised her concerns for any passengers who were further inside the bus who may not have been able to get out.

PM Modi Announces Compensation

PM Modi showed grief for the loss of lives and said that ex-gratia amount of ₹2 lakh will be given to the families of the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

The injured passengers' families will be paid ₹50,000 each, the announcement said.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the incident and also announced similar financial aid. He instructed the authorities to provide proper medical care to the injured.

Bus got over 60 Traffic Challans

The investigation has also found that the bus had over 60 traffic citations for various traffic violations. Some 20 of those challans haven't been paid.

According to the vehicle record mentioned in the report, the outstanding amount of the bus, also registered in Bihar (BR32PA8647), is more than ₹1.7 lakh.

A traffic violation was the reason for issuing the latest challan, valued at ₹18,500 in Mayur Vihar, Delhi on 19th August.

The cause of the fire and circumstances surrounding the deaths are under investigation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

[email protected]

Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

Read More