Jaisalmer, Rajasthan | In a tragic incident that shook Rajasthan on Tuesday, at least 20 passengers lost their lives and 16 others sustained serious burn injuries when a private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village, close to the Jaisalmer War Museum.
Horrific Blaze Engulfs Bus
According to officials, the bus departed from Jaisalmer early Tuesday morning and was on its regular route to Jodhpur when flames suddenly erupted from the rear section of the vehicle.
Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit inside the bus may have triggered the fire, though the exact cause is under investigation. The fire spread rapidly, trapping several passengers inside before help could arrive.
Rescue Operation by Army Personnel
The accident occurred near an Army zone, and Army personnel were among the first responders. They immediately launched a rescue operation, pulling several injured passengers to safety.
Army doctors first treated the injured and then moved them to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, while they sent critically injured patients to AIIMS Jodhpur for advanced care.
Official Response and Investigation
Pokran BJP MLA Pratap Puri confirmed the death toll, stating that 19 passengers died on the spot and one succumbed to injuries while being taken to Jodhpur.
District Collector Pratap Singh reported that the bodies of the deceased remain inside the charred vehicle, with recovery operations delayed due to intense heat. A forensic team from Jodhpur has been called in to assist with the investigation.
Municipal Council Fire Officer Krishnapal Singh Rathore added that flames had completely engulfed the bus when the fire brigade arrived at the scene.
. “We are investigating whether any flammable materials or fuel leakage contributed to the intensity of the fire,” he said.
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Chief Minister and Leaders Express Condolences
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Jaisalmer to review the situation and express condolences.
“The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I offer my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. We have arranged all necessary treatment for the injured,” Sharma said in a statement.
Prominent opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, and Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra, also expressed grief and called for a thorough probe into the tragedy.
Control Room and Helpline Set Up
The district administration has established a control room to assist families of the victims and provide updates. Authorities issued helpline numbers to help relatives trace their loved ones and get accurate information.
A Week of Tragedies
This devastating accident comes just a week after a fire at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital claimed eight lives, raising questions about fire safety standards and emergency preparedness across Rajasthan.
As the state mourns the loss of 20 innocent lives, authorities have pledged a comprehensive investigation and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
