Jaipur, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Rajasthan government announced on Tuesday that the unfortunate sleeper bus that ignited after contacting a high-tension electric wire near Jaipur had taken a non-paved route to reach a brick kiln. Authorities noted that this off-road path brought the vehicle perilously close to overhead power lines, which resulted in a catastrophic fire.

As per officials from the Jaipur collectorate, the bus—transporting approximately 65 laborers from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh—was en route to a brick kiln in Todi village when the incident transpired, just 300 meters short of its destination. The vehicle's rooftop was loaded with gas cylinders, motorcycles, and various household items. When the cargo made contact with a high-tension wire, it sparked a massive fire followed by multiple explosions.

Tragically, two passengers, identified as Naseem (50) and Sahinam (20), both from Pilibhit, perished in the disaster. Five more individuals suffered severe burn injuries and were rushed to Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur. The injured include Najma (40), Naseem's wife; Sitara (49), Noor Mohammad's wife; Azhar (10), Naseem's son; Altaf (19), Noor Mohammad's son; and Nahim (19), Nawab Hussain's wife. Another injured woman, Chanda (40), the spouse of Jabbar Hussain, is currently receiving treatment at CHC Shahpura.

District Transport Officer (DTO) Shahpura, Yashpal Singh Yadav, reported that the bus was registered in Uttar Pradesh and had entered Rajasthan for the first time. “This is the first time the vehicle has traveled from UP to Rajasthan. The owner and driver both hail from Uttar Pradesh. Our investigation indicates that the bus was not roadworthy, and we will revoke its registration certificate and driver's license,” Yadav stated, emphasizing that strict actions will be taken against operators breaching safety regulations.

The accident took place near Manoharpur, approximately 50 kilometers from Jaipur, when the bus came into contact with the high-tension line and ignited. Two individuals from Uttar Pradesh died instantly, while ten others suffered burn injuries, officials confirmed. Jaipur District Collector Jitendra Soni visited the location and mentioned that a comprehensive report would be submitted to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. “The fire ignited when the rooftop luggage contacted the high-tension wire,” he explained. Investigative teams from the police, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and Regional Transport Office (RTO) have commenced inquiries.

Electricity Department officials verified that the route where the incident occurred was a kachcha track traversing agricultural fields and not an authorized public road. According to the Central Electricity Authority Regulations, 2023, the minimum height for an 11 kV overhead line above non-public roads should be at least 15 feet. However, at the accident site, it was approximately 17 feet—indicating that the overloaded bus's excessive height contributed to the contact.

Authorities confirmed that the double-decker sleeper bus was transporting gas cylinders, a motorcycle, and several heavy items on its roof, which came into contact with the wires, igniting the fire. The power supply was automatically cut off following the short circuit.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma labeled the incident as “extremely tragic” and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical attention for the injured. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Governor Haribhau Bagde also described the accident as “painful and unfortunate,” expressing his sympathy and strength to the victims' families.