Narrow Escape for Over 60 as Bus Goes Up in Flames on Yamuna Expressway

More than 60 passengers had a narrow escape after a double-decker bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway early Thursday morning, officials said.

The incident occurred around 5.30 am near milestone 110 on the Agra-Noida carriageway in the Raya area. The bus, bearing registration number UP 90 AT 8837 , was travelling from Banda to Delhi when flames erupted from its rear section.

According to Fire Station Second Officer Kishan Lal , the fire broke out after the rear tyre brake jammed, leading to excessive heat and ignition. The driver reportedly stopped the vehicle and fled the spot soon after the fire started.

Four fire tenders were rushed to the location, and it took firefighters a little over an hour to bring the blaze under control. By then, the bus had been extensively damaged. No casualties were reported, and all passengers managed to evacuate the vehicle safely. Alternative transport arrangements were later made to help them continue their journey.

Traffic on the expressway was briefly affected during the firefighting operation.

The incident has once again raised concerns over vehicle safety on the Yamuna Expressway. It comes just over a month after a major accident in Mathura district on December 16, 2025, when a multi-vehicle pile-up involving eight buses and two smaller vehicles triggered a massive fire, killing 19 people. Several victims were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA profiling for identification.

Authorities have said routine mechanical checks and strict enforcement of safety norms are crucial to prevent such incidents on high-speed corridors like the Yamuna Expressway.