A devastating fire engulfed a sleeper bus traveling from Bihar to Delhi, tragically resulting in the death of five people. Several others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Lucknow Bus Fire Accident: A horrific accident occurred in Lucknow on Sunday morning when a private sleeper bus (bus number UP17 AT 6372) traveling from Begusarai, Bihar, to Delhi, suddenly caught fire. This incident took place around 5:00 AM on Kisan Path near the Mohanlalganj area on the Lucknow-Rae Bareli road. The fire resulted in the tragic deaths of five out of approximately eighty passengers, while several others suffered severe burns and are undergoing treatment at local hospitals.
The Fire and the Cascade of Events
According to reports, the fire originated from a short circuit. Despite the fire, the bus continued to run for approximately one kilometer. During this time, the driver and conductor abandoned the bus and fled the scene, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves. Passengers became trapped in the flames and smoke. Terrified passengers attempted to escape by breaking windows, assisted by local police and civilians. The fire department team managed to bring the fire under control after a half-hour struggle.
The Severity of the Accident
Upon reaching the interior of the bus, firefighters discovered the charred remains of five individuals. The deceased included two children, two women, and an unidentified man. Four of the victims have been identified, while one remains unknown. The identified victims are:
- Lakkhi Devi, wife of Ashok Mehta (approximately 55 years old)
- Sony, daughter of Ashok Mahato (approximately 26 years old)
- Devraj, son of Ramlal (approximately 3 years old)
- Sakshi Kumari, daughter of Ramlal (approximately 2 years old)
- One unidentified male
Passengers' Panic and Rescue Efforts
Approximately eighty passengers were on board at the time of the accident. Most passengers were asleep, exacerbating the situation. The main bus door was blocked by the fire, trapping many rear passengers. Those who managed to escape did so through other windows and exits. Police and locals helped several passengers escape by breaking windows.
Following the accident, local residents and police immediately arrived at the scene and began transporting the injured to hospitals. Injured passengers were rushed to nearby Lucknow hospitals where they are receiving treatment.
Driver and Conductor Abandon Responsibility
This incident highlights the negligence of bus service providers. Immediately after the fire started, the bus driver and conductor jumped out and fled, making no attempt to save the passengers. The bus was beyond control, and the fire was so intense that flames were visible from a kilometer away.
Police have launched an investigation into the accident. Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus's emergency exit was malfunctioning, hindering passenger escape. This malfunction contributed to the deaths of several passengers who were trapped and either suffocated or burned to death.
