A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh's capital. A sleeper bus traveling from Delhi to Bihar in the Mohanlalganj area was suddenly engulfed in flames. Five passengers tragically perished in the blaze, which erupted while about 60 people were onboard. The bus driver smashed a window to escape and fled the scene. The fire spread so quickly that the entire bus was reduced to ashes in just 10 minutes.
Reports indicate the fire broke out near Kisan Path in Lucknow's Mohanlalganj area. Most passengers were in deep sleep when the tragedy struck. The rapid spread of the intense flames consumed the bus within 10 minutes.
Passengers claim that as smoke filled the bus, breathing became difficult, causing panic. They rushed to doors and windows, but the driver's spare seat blocked their path. Several people stumbled and could not escape.
According to locals, the fire's intense blaze was visible from a kilometer away. Upon receiving the alert, nearby residents rushed to the scene and informed both the police and fire brigade. The firefighting team arrived swiftly, and, though they struggled tirelessly, the bus was completely incinerated by the time the flames were out. Unfortunately, five passengers did not survive, and their identities remain unknown. The remaining passengers were evacuated in time.
Eyewitnesses report that the bus driver was the first to jump out, breaking a window, and fled the scene immediately. His whereabouts remain unknown, and the police are actively searching for him.
Police have registered a case to investigate the cause of the fire. Initial findings suggest a short circuit might have been the culprit, though confirmation awaits the forensic report. There are claims that had the driver's seat not obstructed the emergency exit, many lives might have been saved.
