Devastating Bus Fire on Haryana Expressway: Nine Devotees Perish
18.05.2024: In a devastating incident on the Kundali-Manesar-Palwal Expressway in Haryana, nine devotees lost their lives when a bus carrying over 60 people caught fire. The tragic event occurred late Friday night as the group was returning from a pilgrimage to Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
Quick-Thinking Motorcyclist Attempts to Save Lives
A vigilant motorcyclist noticed flames erupting from the back of the bus and immediately tried to warn the driver. Despite his efforts, the fire rapidly spread, causing chaos and panic among the passengers, who were primarily from Punjab and included many women and children.
Witnesses Describe the Chaos
Survivors reported smelling smoke around 1:30 am on Saturday. One of the passengers shared, “We were asleep when we noticed the smoke. Thanks to the motorcyclist who alerted our driver, the bus stopped, allowing us to react.”
Local Heroes and Delayed Emergency Response
Local residents rushed to help, breaking windows and pulling out as many passengers as they could before the fire became too intense. Despite their courageous efforts, they criticized the slow response of the fire brigade, which they claim arrived three hours after being notified.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Inspector Jitendra Kumar provided an official statement, confirming that nine people, including six women and three men, perished in the blaze. Fifteen others were injured and have been hospitalized, with all reported to be in stable condition. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This tragic accident underscores the importance of vehicle safety and prompt emergency response. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.