Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed condolences over the deaths in the Greater Noida double-decker bus fire and announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.
He also announced ₹50,000 for those injured in the incident.
Nine people, including a woman, died after the bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida. The bus was travelling from Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi towards Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh when it caught fire near the 33-km milestone under the Jewar Police Station area.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Modi was distressed by the loss of life and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Distressed to hear about the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy on a bus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 24, 2026
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
He directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for those affected.
More than 30 passengers were reportedly travelling on the bus when the fire broke out. Several passengers escaped by jumping through the windows as the blaze spread rapidly, while nine people remained trapped inside.
Police and fire teams reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. Additional fire tenders and a fire service unit joined the rescue operation and brought the fire under control. More than 20 passengers were evacuated safely.
A preliminary investigation indicated that a spark or blast in the bus’s air-conditioning system may have ignited engine lubricating oil, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Authorities are continuing to ascertain the exact cause.
Police registered a case and took the driver and conductor into custody. Further legal proceedings are underway, while the Jewar Police are working to identify the deceased.
The incident has also renewed concerns over safety measures on long-distance buses, including emergency exits, evacuation arrangements and luggage handling. A preliminary report noted that the bus carried a large quantity of luggage, including baggage loaded on its roof.
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