World · India Bureau
Delhi bus that killed nine passengers operated illegally, lacked permits
A bus traveling from New Delhi to Mahoba caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway, killing nine passengers. An investigation revealed the vehicle was operating without valid permits and had outstanding traffic violations.
LSN India ·
Nine people died in a major fire aboard a passenger bus on the Yamuna Expressway connecting New Delhi and Mahoba, authorities said. The blaze broke out while the vehicle was en route, claiming the lives of nine travelers in what investigators are treating as a preventable tragedy.
A post-incident inquiry has uncovered significant violations in the bus operator's credentials and maintenance of regulatory compliance. The vehicle was found to be operating without proper permits, raising questions about how it had been plying commercial routes. Additionally, authorities discovered pending traffic violations worth 64,400 rupees against the bus.
Police have arrested the driver and conductor on charges related to negligence and operating an unauthorized commercial vehicle. Investigators are examining whether inadequate safety measures, vehicle maintenance lapses, or driver error contributed to the fire's spread and the high casualty toll.
The incident has reignited concerns about oversight of inter-city bus services and enforcement of safety regulations on major highways in northern India. Authorities have indicated they will conduct a comprehensive review of operational standards for commercial vehicles operating on expressways in the region.