Retrofitting Buses Turns Them Into Death Traps

Hindustan Times · automobile

Nine people died in a Greater Noida bus fire, likely caused by a short circuit in the AC. Experts blame local retrofitting of standard coaches into sleeper buses, using substandard electrical components. These modified buses are vulnerable to non-impact fires. The sleeper layout with narrow aisles and blocked emergency exits further restricts escape, turning potential minor incidents into fatalities. Safety standards for long-distance buses have not kept pace with expressway speeds.