Is the Jaisalmer Bus Tragedy the Most Heartbreaking Incident of the Year?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic bus fire in Jaisalmer claims 20 lives.
- Initial investigations suggest short circuit as a cause.
- Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expresses deep sorrow.
- Victims are receiving medical assistance and families are being supported.
- This incident highlights the urgent need for better fire safety measures.
Jaisalmer, Oct 14 (NationPress) In a tragic event, a private passenger bus erupted in flames near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer district on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 20 individuals and leaving 16 others with serious injuries.
The bus was headed to Jodhpur with 57 passengers onboard when the fire ignited.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi conveyed her profound grief regarding the tragedy. In a message on X, she stated: “The news of the death of several individuals due to a fire in a passenger bus in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is extremely heart-wrenching. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Witnesses reported that smoke began to rise from the rear of the bus shortly after it set off. The driver pulled over, but the flames spread quickly, consuming the bus in mere minutes.
Local residents, nearby Army personnel, and passersby rushed to the site to aid in rescue operations.
The injured were taken to Jawahir Hospital in Jaisalmer, with some later transferred to Jodhpur for specialized care. Authorities have initiated DNA identification for the deceased, and helpline numbers have been released for families seeking information.
Preliminary investigations point to a short circuit as a potential cause of the fire, while forensic teams continue to scrutinize the wreckage. The Rajasthan government has mandated a high-level inquiry into the incident and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also described the incident as “extremely tragic” and promised that all necessary medical and administrative support would be provided to the victims and their families.
The Jaisalmer district administration is working with state and central agencies to ensure accountability and deliver relief.
This tragedy has once again raised alarms about fire safety standards in public transport, prompting calls for more rigorous enforcement and regular inspections.