New Delhi: The deadly sleeper bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway has raised serious questions over passenger safety and enforcement mechanisms. The bus that caught fire near Dayanatpur village in Greater Noida reportedly had a history of traffic violations, including 19 challans amounting to around Rs 1.75 lakh.
The tragic incident took place late Wednesday night when a sleeper bus travelling from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate to Mahoba caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway. Around 35 passengers were onboard, and nine people lost their lives in the blaze, while several others managed to escape.
According to available records, the ill-fated bus had received multiple challans for violations under the Motor Vehicles Act. The violations reportedly included issues related to permit conditions, vehicle modifications and other transport-related rules.
The details have raised concerns over how a vehicle with repeated violations continued to operate as a passenger service vehicle on a busy expressway.
The incident has also brought attention to questions surrounding regular inspections, fitness certificates and permit monitoring of commercial buses.
Authorities are examining whether required safety norms were followed and if there were any lapses in allowing the bus to continue operations despite previous violations.
The fire broke out when the bus was moving on the expressway. Passengers reportedly faced difficulty escaping as flames spread quickly through the sleeper coach.
Several passengers broke windows and jumped out to save themselves. Emergency teams reached the spot and started rescue operations, but nine passengers died in the incident.
Officials are investigating the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary findings have pointed towards a possible technical fault, but a detailed probe will determine the reason behind the tragedy.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over safety standards in long-distance passenger buses and the need for strict monitoring of commercial vehicles operating on highways.
