A fierce fire that suddenly erupted in a moving AC bus on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district caused widespread devastation. The accident was so horrific that more than 20 out of the 57 passengers on board the bus lost their lives.
Jaisalmer: A devastating fire that engulfed a moving AC bus on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district has shaken the entire nation. The accident was so horrifying that the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes. So far, the deaths of more than 20 passengers have been confirmed, while several are critically injured. Among the deceased are reportedly a local journalist and family members of an army personnel.
The accident occurred near Thiyyat village on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway at around 3:30 PM. According to eyewitnesses, the bus had departed from Jaisalmer for Jodhpur, and after traveling about 20 kilometers, smoke suddenly started emanating from its rear. Within seconds, the fire spread so rapidly that panic ensued among the passengers. Many attempted to break windows and jump out, but most passengers remained trapped inside the bus. It is reported that after the fire started, the main door of the bus became locked, completely blocking the exit route.
Horrific Scene, Villagers Initiated Rescue Operation
A total of 57 passengers were on board the bus. As the fire spread, nearby villagers and passersby arrived at the scene and began relief efforts. However, the intensity of the flames was so high that no one dared to enter the bus. Upon receiving information, several fire tenders and police teams reached the spot, but it took several hours to bring the fire under control.
According to fire officials, the fire likely originated from a short circuit in the bus's AC unit. The blaze was so intense that the entire metal structure of the bus melted and became unrecognizable. This incident has raised serious questions about the safety of Rajasthan's public transport system.
19 Seriously Burned, Several Died During Treatment
19 passengers who suffered burn injuries in the accident were referred to Jodhpur, with most reported to be in critical condition. According to hospital sources, more than 70 percent of several patients' bodies were burned. So far, several of the injured passengers have also succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Meanwhile, four injured individuals are still admitted to Jaisalmer hospital, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Among the deceased is also local journalist Rajendra Singh Chauhan. Additionally, army soldier Mahendra Singh, his wife, and two daughters were also on board this bus. Mahendra Singh was posted at Jaisalmer's ammunition depot. The army has confirmed the incident and issued directives to gather information.
PM Modi Expresses Grief, Announces Financial Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over this tragic accident. He wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “I am extremely saddened by the loss of life and property in the Jaisalmer accident. My condolences are with the affected families during this difficult time. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.” The Prime Minister announced that ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the accident and issued directives to initiate immediate state-level relief operations. He stated, “The government will provide all possible assistance and justice will be ensured for the affected families.” The Chief Minister remained in constant contact with the Jaisalmer Collector and SP, monitoring the situation, and departed for Jaisalmer himself late in the evening.
