5 Killed Including 2 Kids as Sleeper Bus Catches Fire in Lucknow
Tragedy struck early Thursday morning in Lucknow when a massive fire broke out on a moving sleeper bus, claiming the lives of five passengers, including two children. The horrific incident occurred when the bus was en route from Bihar to Delhi, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartbreak.
According to eyewitnesses, most passengers on the bus were asleep when the fire started, only waking up to the thick smoke filling the bus. The driver, however, was quick to react, breaking the window of the bus and fleeing the scene. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but it is believed to have originated from the engine or electrical systems of the bus.
The bus was carrying around 40 passengers, including women and children, when it caught fire near the Charbagh railway station in Lucknow. The passengers were heading to Delhi from Bihar when the fire broke out, leaving them with little time to escape.
“I was sleeping when I was woken up by the smoke. I saw people panicking and screaming around me. The driver was shouting for everyone to get out of the bus, but it was too late,” said Rakesh Kumar, a survivor of the incident.
Rescue teams and police officials arrived at the scene soon after the fire was reported, but unfortunately, five passengers lost their lives in the blaze. Two of the victims were children, aged 5 and 7, who were traveling with their parents.
The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Suresh Kumar, 30-year-old Pooja Kumari, 25-year-old Rohan Kumar, 5-year-old Aryan Kumar, and 7-year-old Riya Kumari. The injured are being treated at a local hospital, with some in critical condition.
The Lucknow police have launched an investigation into the incident and are questioning the bus driver and other passengers to determine the cause of the fire. The bus has been seized and is being examined by experts to identify the exact cause of the blaze.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with many expressing condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We will do everything possible to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future,” said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The government has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 to those who were injured in the fire.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of passengers on public transport. While buses are a vital mode of transportation for millions of people across the country, they are also prone to accidents and fires.
In recent years, there have been several incidents of fires on buses in India, resulting in loss of life and injury to many passengers. While some of these incidents have been attributed to faulty wiring or poor maintenance, others have been caused by human error or intentional acts.
In light of this, it is essential that the government and bus operators take immediate action to address these issues. This includes ensuring that buses are regularly maintained and inspected, and that drivers are properly trained to handle emergency situations.
The incident in Lucknow is a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of passengers on public transport. As we mourn the loss of lives in this tragic incident, we must also work towards ensuring that such incidents do not happen in the future.
