The sleeper tourist bus that caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida had serious safety lapses. A preliminary investigation revealed that the bus's emergency exit was blocked, it had structural violations, and paint thinner was being stored in the luggage compartment.
The bus, operated by Raj Kalpana Travels, was travelling from Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Mahoba when it caught fire in Greater Noida's Jewer area on Thursday morning.
Nine people were killed in the incident. Over 20 passengers were rescued safely during the operation.
According to reports, the initial inspections revealed that the emergency exit had become inaccessible after a sleeper compartment was constructed above it. Serious safety lapses and structural violations were also found by the officials. Further investigation is underway.
There were reports that the bus has a total of over 60 fines for traffic rule violations. A total of over Rs 1.7 lakh is yet to be paid for the challans of the bus with the registration number 'BR32PA8647', NDTV reported.
Officials are looking into the bus's permits and compliance with prescribed safety norms as well.
"We've found initial violations. More inspections will be carried out on permits," an official was quoted by News18.
Also, the presence of a paint thinner in the luggage compartment has sparked concerns. Authorities are investigating whether the transport breached rules governing the carriage of flammable liquids on passenger buses.
As per the FIR, passengers had raised an alarm initially when a burning smell and smoke erupted while the bus was on the road, but it was ignored by the driver and the helper.
There is also an allegation that the driver and staff were smoking in the driver's cabin. Passengers allege that they continued smoking despite pointing it out.
Amid rising allegations, the circumstances surrounding the fire are being thoroughly investigated by the police.
The bus had entered the Noida Expressway at around 11.30 pm and travelled about 33 kilometres before smoke was noticed coming from the driver's cabin.
Preliminary probe into the reason behind the fire indicated that a spark or a blast in the air-conditioning system could have caused engine lubricant oil to catch fire.
"On receiving information, police officials along with local police personnel and six fire tenders reached the spot and doused the fire," said Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar.
Driver and helper in custody
A case was registered under provisions relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and rash and negligent driving.
The driver and the conductor have been taken into custody.
