What Happened in the Jaisalmer Bus Fire Tragedy?
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Synopsis
A tragic bus fire on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway has claimed 20 lives, raising serious concerns about passenger safety. With a swift response from local authorities and emergency services, the incident has drawn national attention. This heartbreaking event not only highlights the risks of travel but also the importance of community support in times of crisis.
Key Takeaways
- The tragedy claimed the lives of 20 passengers.
- A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire.
- Fifteen individuals suffered severe burn injuries.
- A green corridor was established for the urgent transfer of the injured.
- The bus involved was purchased just five days before the incident.
Jaipur, Oct 14 (NationPress) In a devastating incident on Tuesday afternoon, approximately 20 individuals lost their lives when an AC sleeper bus caught fire while traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway near Thaiyat village in Rajasthan.
The blaze erupted at around 3:30 p.m., tragically claiming the lives of 20 passengers, including 79-year-old Hussain Khan, who succumbed to his injuries in Jodhpur.
The other 19 victims were declared dead in Jaisalmer. Late Tuesday night, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited Jaisalmer, where he also examined the charred remains of the bus involved in the mishap.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the army personnel and local citizens for their prompt assistance during this tragedy.
Present at the meeting were Pokaran MLA Pratap Puri and MLA Sang Singh Bhati, alongside administrative officials. The Chief Minister is set to visit Jodhpur to meet the injured receiving treatment there, as informed by officials.
The fire reportedly ignited suddenly from the back of the bus, likely due to a short circuit, quickly consuming the entire vehicle. There were 57 passengers aboard, and in a panic to escape, many jumped from the moving bus.
Fifteen passengers, including four women and two children, suffered severe burn injuries, with some experiencing burns covering up to 70 percent of their bodies. They were initially transported to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer via three ambulances and later referred to Jodhpur for advanced medical care.
A green corridor was established on National Highway 125 to expedite their transfer, with eight ambulances escorted by police. District Collector Pratap Singh confirmed that the bus was entirely destroyed and many victims were burned beyond recognition. DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur have been dispatched to assist in identification.
The Collector has urged families of the deceased to reach out to the helpline set up by the district administration. He added, “The identities of the deceased will be confirmed through DNA testing, akin to protocols followed during the Ahmedabad plane crash. Only then will the bodies be released to their families.”
In a tragic twist, the bus that met with the accident was reportedly purchased merely five days prior.
The fire broke out approximately 20 km from Jaisalmer, shortly after the bus left for Jodhpur around 3:00 PM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke and flames shooting into the sky. Villagers and passersby rushed to the site, initiating rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Firefighters and police were quickly dispatched to control the blaze and provide relief. Authorities have cordoned off the accident site and set up barricades to restrict public access. Forensic investigations are currently underway.
Among the deceased was local journalist Rajendra Singh Chauhan, who was traveling to Pokhran for the inauguration of a medical store alongside Manoj Bhatia, a member of the Jaisalmer Chemist Association. Bhatia managed to escape with burn injuries, but Chauhan was reportedly trapped inside the bus.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also shared his condolences regarding this tragic event, stating, “The loss of 20 lives due to a bus fire is heartbreaking. This news is profoundly disturbing. I pray for the peace of the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured.”
In light of the gravity of the incident, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has postponed his campaigning in Patna scheduled for tomorrow.
Point of View
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in public transportation. The loss of lives in such preventable circumstances is a wake-up call for authorities to prioritize passenger safety and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus fire?
The fire is believed to have been ignited by a short circuit, which quickly spread throughout the bus.
How many people were injured?
Fifteen passengers sustained serious burn injuries, with some suffering up to 70% burns.
What steps are being taken for identification of victims?
DNA testing and forensic examinations are being conducted to confirm the identities of the deceased.
What support is being provided to the victims' families?
The district administration has established a helpline for families of the deceased to assist them during this tragic time.
Who visited the scene of the incident?
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited Jaisalmer to inspect the accident site and meet with affected families.
