According to reports, Sunil was resting inside the parked bus—a Haryana-plated private vehicle barely a month on the roads—when disaster struck. He had apparently ignited an agarbatti to repel insects, a common practice that proved fatal. The flame is believed to have ignited nearby materials, triggering a rapid blaze that filled the bus with toxic smoke and fire.

Neighbors were jolted awake by the sight of dense smoke and flickering flames. They wasted no time calling the police and fire brigade. DFS teams arrived promptly but faced a raging inferno. Videos shared on social platforms show the bus completely consumed by fire, with flames roaring uncontrollably.

Tragically, Sunil had no chance to escape. After subduing the fire with great difficulty, rescuers found his body inside the wreckage. The remains were transported to a hospital for autopsy, while police initiated a thorough investigation.

Investigators are digging deeper: was it solely the incense, or did an electrical fault or fuel leak contribute? The bus’s recent registration raises questions about manufacturing standards or maintenance.

This fatal mishap highlights broader safety concerns in urban India, where makeshift solutions like burning incense in vehicles persist despite risks. Delhi has seen a spate of fires lately, including a recent one at Safdarjung Airport grounds and the heartbreaking Mukundpur family tragedy on January 7, where a DMRC engineer, his spouse, and child lost their lives.

Communities are calling for stricter regulations on vehicle interiors and public awareness campaigns. As probes continue, Sunil’s untimely death serves as a poignant call to prioritize safety over convenience.