UP double-decker AC bus blaze on expressway 39 passengers escape unharmed

A double-decker AC sleeper bus caught fire early Sunday morning near the Revri toll plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, but all 39 passengers on board escaped unharmed.

The 44-seater bus, traveling from Delhi to Gonda via Lucknow, erupted in flames around 4:45 am, just 500 metres before the toll plaza. Quick action by the driver and prompt response from police and the fire brigade ensured everyone was safely evacuated, and the blaze was brought under control within an hour.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started in one of the wheels for unknown reasons, quickly spreading to the rest of the bus.

While this incident ended without injury, it underscores a growing pattern of safety lapses in long-distance private bus operations. Just two days ago, a similar tragedy in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, claimed 20 lives when a private bus collided with a stationary motorcycle, sparking a deadly fire. Investigations revealed that the motorcycle rider was under the influence of alcohol, and the bus was carrying a large consignment of smartphones, which likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Experts have also raised concerns about illegal electrical modifications in private buses, such as the installation of subwoofers and decorative lighting, which can overload the vehicle's wiring and increase the risk of fire.

The Agra-Lucknow Expressway fire serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety of passengers on long-distance private buses.