Jaisalmer Bus Fire: 20 Passengers Charred To Death, 16 Others Injured As Moving Vehicle Bursts Into Flames

Jaisalmer: At least 20 passengers lost their lives in a horrific bus fire in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district after a private bus carrying 57 passengers suddenly bursts into flames on Tuesday. According to reports, the bus, which was en route to Jodhpur from Jaisalmer, caught fire suddenly, engulfing the vehicle in flames. Apart from the 20 fatalities, 16 others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.

The Jaisalmer police stated that the incident occurred in the Thaiyat area, located near a military station. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing thick smoke billowing from the bus, which forced the driver to stop the vehicle. However, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the bus and resulting in the tragic incident.

A senior police official stated that the bus had departed from Jaisalmer around 3 pm. The incident occurred on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, resulting in this fatal tragedy. Upon receiving information, the local police, along with a team of firefighters, rushed to the scene and initiated a rescue operation. However, before the rescue operation could be carried out, the bus was reduced to ashes, leaving 20 passengers dead and 16 others injured.

As per reports, it allegedly appears that the fire was triggered by firecrackers that were being transported illegally inside the air-conditioned bus. It is claimed that a short circuit in the electrical system of the bus allegedly triggered flames, which ignited the firecrackers.

However, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. The police are probing the incident to ascertain the cause of the fire and the person responsible for the tragedy.

Following the incident, local villagers and passersby rushed to the scene, braving the intense heat to rescue those trapped inside the burning bus. They assisted in pulling out survivors and providing basic care until the fire department and police teams arrived. The officials stated that the prompt response of the locals saved several lives.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Rushed To The Spot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the accident site, expressing his deep grief and condolences to the families of the victims. He directed officials to ensure that the injured receive proper medical treatment and that all possible assistance is provided to those affected. In a statement, Sharma described the incident as "extremely heart-wrenching" and assured the public that the state government stands firmly with the families of the victims.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that Sharma has instructed the concerned authorities to provide all possible support to the affected families. "May Lord Shri Ram grant a place at His divine feet to the departed souls. The state government stands with the affected families and is committed to providing them with every possible support," Sharma said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner of Jodhpur, Om Prakash Paswan, confirmed that 16 injured individuals have been brought to Jodhpur from Jaisalmer for medical treatment. 15 of them are being treated at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, while one person is receiving treatment at Shri Ram Hospital.

The state government has taken cognizance of the incident and is making all efforts to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.  

PM Modi Condoles Deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the tragic incident and announced ex gratia for the victims' families. In a statement, the PMO said, "Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi announced.  

CM Bhajanlal Sharma too expressed his grief in a post on X, saying, “The bus accident in Jaisalmer is extremely tragic. I gathered information about the incident by reaching the site and speaking with administrative and military officials. My deepest condolences are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this accident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to the injured.”

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.