Lucknow, May 15 – At least five people, including two children, lost their lives when a private bus traveling from Begusarai, Bihar to Delhi caught fire early Thursday morning in the Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
As per agency report, the incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Kisan Path, when flames engulfed the moving bus. According to Additional Police Commissioner (Mohanlalganj) Rajneesh Verma, the fire claimed the lives of two children, two women, and one man.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire was so intense it could be seen from nearly a kilometer away. The bus reportedly carried between 80 and 90 passengers. Many were rescued by breaking the windows, with help from local residents and police personnel. However, the bus’s emergency exit failed to open, which hampered escape efforts.
The deceased were identified as Lakkhi Devi (55), Soni (26), Devraj (3), Sakshi Kumari (2), and Madhusudan (21). Several others sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit in the gear box area of the vehicle. Following the incident, both the driver and the conductor fled the scene.
Rajneesh Verma stated that arrangements are being made to help the surviving passengers reach their intended destinations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life. In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office mentioned that he has instructed district officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure the injured receive timely medical attention.
An official investigation into the fire and safety compliance of the vehicle is underway.
