20 people died in a fire on a five-day-old bus on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. 57 passengers were on board. 15 injured were referred to Jodhpur in serious condition. PM announced compensation, and CM inspected the situation.
Jaisalmer: A horrific accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway in Rajasthan. A new private bus suddenly caught fire, leading to the deaths of 20 passengers who were burned alive. According to the police and administration, a total of 57 passengers were on board the bus. The bus was traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit as the cause of the fire. This incident has caused widespread grief and concern in the entire region.
Condition of the Bus
The bus had been purchased just five days prior and departed from Jaisalmer at 3 PM. Suddenly, smoke started rising from the rear of the bus on the highway. The driver immediately pulled the bus to the side of the road, but within moments, the fire engulfed the entire vehicle. Local residents and passersby attempted rescue efforts, but their endeavors proved futile against the intensity of the blaze.
Immediate Relief Operations Underway
Upon receiving information about the fire, the fire brigade and police arrived at the scene. Local residents also assisted in rescuing the injured. The district administration immediately initiated relief operations. District Collector Pratap Singh instructed officials to provide immediate medical facilities to the injured. Helpline numbers were also issued to establish contact with families and passengers.
Condition and Treatment of the Injured
In this accident, 15 passengers were rescued with severe burns, including four women and two children. Some of the injured sustained up to 70 percent burns. After primary treatment, the injured were referred to Jodhpur for advanced medical facilities. A green corridor was created on National Highway 125, and with the help of eight ambulances and police escort, the injured were transported to a Jodhpur hospital.
DNA Tests for Identification of Deceased
The District Collector stated that the bus was completely gutted. Many bodies were so badly burned that identification is impossible. For this reason, DNA and forensic teams have been called from Jodhpur. The Collector added that the identification of the deceased will be done through DNA tests, and only then will the bodies be handed over to their families.
Chief Minister's Visit
Considering the gravity of the accident, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma arrived in Jaisalmer on Tuesday night. He inspected the burnt bus and expressed his condolences to the affected families. The Chief Minister wished a speedy recovery to the injured and instructed officials to expedite relief efforts.
Prime Minister Expresses Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the accident. He stated that he was deeply distressed by the loss of life and property in the Jaisalmer accident. The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
