BusFire – A 25-year-old bus assistant lost his life after a parked bus went up in flames in West Delhi’s Vikaspuri area early Sunday morning. Authorities discovered his severely burnt body inside the vehicle once firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Emergency Call Leads to Midnight Response

According to police officials, a PCR call was received at approximately 12:33 am reporting that a bus stationed near a fish market beside a drain adjoining Krishi Apartment had caught fire. Responding officers reached the scene without delay and attempted to access the vehicle as flames engulfed its interior.

Two fire engines were dispatched to contain the blaze. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire after a brief operation. Once the smoke cleared and the bus was opened, responders found the body of the victim inside, a senior police officer confirmed.

Victim Identified as Jharkhand Native

The deceased was identified as Sunil Sharma, originally from Jharkhand. Police inquiries revealed that Sharma worked as a helper on the bus and routinely stayed inside the vehicle overnight. Preliminary findings indicate that he would light incense sticks to keep mosquitoes away while sleeping.

Investigators believe that this practice may have contributed to the fire, though the exact cause is still under examination. Officials stated that there were no immediate indications of external interference or criminal involvement.

Bus Operated for Ride Service Platform

The vehicle involved in the incident was registered in Haryana and owned by 46-year-old Vijay Kumar. Police said the bus was operated for Uber. Several other buses belonging to the same owner were parked in the vicinity at the time. Helpers and drivers commonly sleep inside these parked vehicles during the night, officers added.

No other injuries were reported in the incident. Nearby individuals were alerted to the situation only after flames became visible from outside the bus.

Forensic Examination and Legal Procedure

A crime team inspected the site soon after the fire was extinguished. Photographs were taken and samples were collected as part of standard procedure. The body was later shifted to the mortuary at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for preservation.

Officials confirmed that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the precise cause of death. Early findings suggest that Sharma died due to burn injuries sustained in the fire.

Police have initiated proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). At present, no suspicion has been raised by family members or others regarding the circumstances of the death.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are continuing to examine technical aspects, including possible electrical faults and the role of combustible materials inside the bus. Statements from the owner and other workers associated with the vehicle have been recorded.

While investigators have so far found no evidence of foul play, they are awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports to conclude the inquiry. Officials said further action, if required, will depend on the findings of the detailed examination.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding safety conditions for transport workers who spend nights inside commercial vehicles.