New Delhi, Sep 24: President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday expressed grief over the tragic bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida that claimed nine lives and left several others injured.

President Murmu took to social media ‘X’ and said, “The news of the deaths of people in a fire that broke out in a bus on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this accident.”

Vice President Radhakrishnan said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus fire in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which has claimed precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.”

Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the Greater Noida double-decker bus fire and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

Nine people, including a woman, were charred to death and several were seriously injured after a massive fire broke out in a double-decker bus in Greater Noida, officials said.

Earlier in the day, CM Yogi expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He assured all possible assistance to the next of kin.

He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for those injured in the accident and wished for their speedy recovery.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from a spark or blast in the air conditioning system, which ignited the engine’s lubricating oil and caused the fire to spread rapidly.

The driver and conductor were taken into custody, and a case was registered under relevant sections, officials said.

According to officials, the bus, travelling from Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi, towards Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba, caught fire suddenly near the 33 km milestone on the Yamuna Expressway, within the jurisdiction of the Jewar Police Station, triggering panic among passengers, many of whom jumped out of the windows to save themselves.

More than 30 passengers were reportedly travelling on the bus when it suddenly caught fire. Nine passengers, including a woman, were trapped inside and burnt alive in the massive blaze.

Upon receiving the information, senior police officials, accompanied by the local police force, a rescue tender, and a fire tender stationed at the Jewar Toll Plaza, responded, according to the officials. Four additional fire tenders and a fire service unit immediately rushed to the scene and completely extinguished the fire.

According to the officials, more than 20 passengers were safely evacuated.

“Despite the heavy smoke, the police team and fire service unit made strenuous efforts to enter the bus; it was discovered that nine individuals had died inside, apparently due to burns or suffocation,” rescue personnel said.

The incident has once again raised questions over the safety arrangements and precautions followed by buses, particularly those operating on long-distance routes.

According to a preliminary report, the bus was carrying a large quantity of luggage, including baggage loaded on its roof. The presence of a substantial amount of luggage has also drawn attention in the wake of the fire.

Fires involving buses of this nature have occurred in the past as well, raising concerns over passenger safety and the need for adequate emergency arrangements in such vehicles.

Kolkata, Sep 24: Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata on Thursday.

Gautam Adani arrived in the city on Wednesday night and on Thursday morning visited the iconic Goddess Kali Temple at Kalighat in South Kolkata and offered prayers.

Later in the day, he will be at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Adani Arogya Mandir, a proposed 2,000-bed hospital in New Town. The Chief Minister is scheduled to join the ceremony.

The proposed hospital is seen as a part of the state government’s efforts to attract investment in the healthcare sector and also the beginning of a broader investment push by the Adani Group in West Bengal.

The Adani Group Chairman is likely to have a meeting with CM Adhikari and senior cabinet members, focusing on the Group’s future investments in the state.

After the change of regime in West Bengal, the BJP-led state government is pushing for investments in the state.

CM Adhikari has promised to create more jobs and set up industries. Famous industrialists are coming forward to make investments in the state. The state government expects the Adani Group to invest in multiple sectors in the state.

State secretariat insiders said that the Adani Group has plans to invest in multiple sectors in the state. The Group has already been a part of the restoration of the Writers’ Buildings, the old state secretariat at B.B.D. Bag in Central Kolkata.

Besides that, the Adani Group will be associated with the forthcoming Durga Puja festival. The Group will select the eight best community Durga Pujas and will donate Rs 25 lakh to each.

A special visit programme has also been organised for eminent personalities from home and abroad to showcase the art and tradition of Durga Puja to the world. This special Puja preview tour will be held for three days on October 10, 11 and 12.

Amaravati, Sep 23: Four students died after being hit by a train in Andhra Pradesh Srikakulam district, officials said.

Another student was injured in the incident that occurred near Tekkali.

According to police, the students were walking on the track and failed to notice the approaching Rajya Rani Express and were mowed down. Body parts were seen strewn on the track.

The deceased were identified as Visakha Rao, Dileep Kumar, Shiva, and Sarath Kumar. They were coming to Tekkali from Naupada by walking on the track.

Tekkali Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and police officers examined the scene.

Another student, Salmon Raju, was injured in the incident. He was admitted to a government hospital in Tekkali.

According to locals, the victims were studying intermediate (classes 11 and 12) and were aged between 16 and 17 years.

A police officer said they have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the deaths of four students.

He termed the incident and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

The Chief Minister inquired about the incident and gathered details from officials. Officials said that the accident occurred because the students failed to notice the approaching train.

They informed the Chief Minister that another student was injured and is currently undergoing treatment at the Tekkali District Hospital.

The Chief Minister directed that Salmon Raju be provided with advanced medical care and instructed officials to extend support and assistance to the affected families.

YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and deep grief over the train accident.

He said the deaths of Visakha Rao, Dilip Kumar, Siva and Sarath Kumar were extremely tragic and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families.

He said the pain of parents and family members losing young children was beyond words and prayed that God grant them the strength and courage to endure the profound loss. He also prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Jagan Mohan Reddy sought the best possible medical treatment for the injured student and wished him a speedy recovery.

He urged the state government to stand by the bereaved families in every possible way and extend all necessary assistance and support to those affected by the tragedy.