Greater Noida bus fire: Murmu, Radhakrishnan condole 9 deaths on Yamuna Expressway
Synopsis
Nine people were burned alive in a double-decker bus on the Yamuna Expressway near Greater Noida — a disaster that has drawn condolences from the President and Vice President, triggered a ₹2 lakh relief announcement from CM Yogi, and reignited a long-running debate about whether India's long-distance bus fleet meets basic safety standards.
Key Takeaways
Nine people , including a woman, were killed and several others injured in a double-decker bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida on 24 September .
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P.
Radhakrishnan expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
CM Yogi Adityanath announced ₹2 lakh relief for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for each injured survivor.
Preliminary investigations point to a spark or blast in the air conditioning system as the likely cause, which ignited engine lubricating oil.
The bus driver and conductor were taken into custody; a case has been registered under relevant sections.
More than 20 passengers were safely evacuated; the incident has renewed scrutiny of long-distance bus safety standards.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday, 24 September expressed deep condolences over the devastating bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which killed nine people — including a woman — and left several others seriously injured. The blaze broke out on a double-decker bus travelling from Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi, toward Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh.
What the Constitutional Heads Said
President Murmu, posting on social media platform X, said: 'The news of the deaths of people in a fire that broke out in a bus on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this accident.'
Vice President Radhakrishnan also conveyed his grief, stating: 'Deeply saddened by the tragic bus fire in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which has claimed precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.'
CM Yogi Announces Relief, Orders Probe
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each for those injured. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and assured full support to the victims' next of kin.
How the Fire Unfolded
The bus caught fire suddenly near the 33 km milestone on the Yamuna Expressway, within the jurisdiction of Jewar Police Station, according to officials. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from a spark or blast in the air conditioning system, which ignited the engine's lubricating oil and caused the blaze to spread rapidly.
More than 30 passengers were reportedly on board when the fire erupted. Many jumped out of windows in a desperate bid to save themselves. According to rescue personnel, 'despite the heavy smoke, the police team and fire service unit made strenuous efforts to enter the bus; it was discovered that nine individuals had died inside, apparently due to burns or suffocation.'
More than 20 passengers were safely evacuated. Four additional fire tenders and a fire service unit rushed to the scene and fully extinguished the blaze. The bus driver and conductor were taken into custody, and a case was registered under relevant sections, officials confirmed.
Safety Concerns Back in Focus
Preliminary reports indicate the bus was carrying a large quantity of luggage, including baggage loaded on its roof, a detail that has drawn scrutiny in connection with how quickly the fire spread. The incident has once again raised urgent questions over safety standards and emergency preparedness on long-distance bus routes. Notably, fires involving buses of this nature have occurred previously, and critics argue that adequate precautionary measures and emergency equipment have not consistently been enforced across the sector.
What Happens Next
With the driver and conductor in custody and a formal case registered, investigators are expected to examine the condition of the vehicle, compliance with safety norms, and the role of the roof luggage in accelerating the fire. The incident is likely to prompt renewed calls for stricter enforcement of bus safety regulations across Uttar Pradesh and other states.
Point of View
But accountability rarely travels up the chain to bus operators and state transport authorities who set inspection schedules. Until regulators move from reactive compensation to proactive enforcement — with verifiable inspection records and mandatory fire suppression systems on long-distance coaches — condolence statements and ex-gratia payments will remain the only institutional response to tragedies that keep repeating themselves.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Greater Noida bus fire on 24 September?
A double-decker bus travelling from Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi, to Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh caught fire near the 33 km milestone on the Yamuna Expressway, killing nine passengers — including a woman — and injuring several others. More than 20 passengers were evacuated safely, while nine were trapped and died due to burns or suffocation.
What caused the Yamuna Expressway bus fire?
According to preliminary investigations, the fire originated from a spark or blast in the bus's air conditioning system, which ignited the engine's lubricating oil and caused the blaze to spread rapidly. A large amount of luggage loaded on the roof has also drawn scrutiny as a possible factor in the fire's intensity.
What relief has the Uttar Pradesh government announced for victims?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the nine deceased and ₹50,000 each for those injured. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for survivors.
What action has been taken against the bus crew?
The bus driver and conductor were taken into custody following the incident, and a case has been registered against them under relevant sections, according to officials. Investigators are expected to examine the vehicle's maintenance records and compliance with safety norms.
Why does this incident raise broader bus safety concerns?
Fires in long-distance buses have occurred on multiple previous occasions in India, and critics argue that safety standards — including fire suppression systems, vehicle inspection regimes, and luggage load limits — are inconsistently enforced. The Greater Noida incident is likely to renew calls for stricter regulatory oversight of intercity bus operations.
