Daijiworld Media Network - Noida

Noida, Sep 24: Nine people were killed and several others injured after a sleeper passenger bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Noida International Airport on Thursday morning.

The bus was reportedly carrying around 30 to 40 passengers when the fire broke out. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the vehicle, triggering panic as passengers scrambled to reach the exits.

A passenger recalled the terrifying moments after the fire was discovered. She said she was asleep when someone banged on the door and alerted passengers about the blaze.

“I was asleep when someone banged on the door. When I woke up, there was already a huge crowd. I didn't pick up any of my belongings... I didn't even put on my shoes... I just grabbed my phone and stepped out,” she said.

She said the situation became increasingly chaotic as smoke filled the bus and visibility was severely reduced.

“It was so smoky that nothing was visible... People were suffocating inside... Very few managed to escape, only those who could push their way out amidst the shoving,” she said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those killed and directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister also spoke to the families of the deceased and instructed officials to provide all possible assistance. He wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.

Fire tenders and emergency teams reached the spot and worked to bring the blaze under control. Rescue personnel also shifted injured passengers to hospitals for treatment.

The exact number of injured passengers and the cause of the fire are yet to be ascertained. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.