Watch: 42 passengers escape unharmed as Purvanchal Express bus catches fire in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: It was a narrow escape for 42 passengers after a sleeper bus caught fire on Purvanchal Expressway in Lucknow on Thursday. Police said that at approximately 6.30 am, emergency services received a distress call regarding a private bus with registration number UP 15DT 0063 that caught fire on the Purvanchal Expressway, around the 12-kilometre mark under Gosaiganj police station area.Deputy commissioner of police, South Zone, Keshav Kumar, said that the bus, travelling from Delhi to Azamgarh, was carrying around 42 passengers when its rear tyre burst, leading to the fire outbreak.In a fortunate turn, all passengers and their belongings were safely evacuated from the bus before the fire spread further, said Kumar.The bus driver, Rajesh Sharma, quickly assessed the situation and alerted his staff and passengers, leading to a swift and orderly evacuation that resulted in no casualties.Fire officials reported that by the time emergency responders arrived, about 90% of the bus was consumed by flames. Local police remain at the scene to monitor the situation and conduct a thorough investigation.Alternative transportation was promptly arranged, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Azamgarh. Speaking with TOI, driver Rajesh Sharma noted that all passengers booked the bus from New Delhi to Azamgarh.