What Happened in the Jaisalmer Bus Fire? Over 15 Feared Dead

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic bus fire on Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway.
- Over 15 feared dead as flames engulfed the vehicle.
- Survivors jumped from the bus to escape the blaze.
- Sixteen people suffered severe burns.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Jaipur, Oct 14 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday when an AC sleeper bus caught fire while traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway, close to Thaiyat village in Rajasthan.
The event transpired around 3:30 p.m., with flames swiftly consuming the bus, leaving passengers with minimal time to respond. Eyewitnesses reported individuals leaping from the moving bus in a frantic effort to escape the inferno.
Official data indicates that the bus was transporting 57 individuals. Sixteen people, including two children and four women, suffered critical burns—many with injuries affecting up to 70 percent of their bodies.
They were promptly taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer via three ambulances and later transferred to Jodhpur for more comprehensive medical care. Some are also receiving treatment at a military medical facility.
Jaisalmer Collector Pratap Singh confirmed that the fire was so severe that it reduced the bus to ashes. “There are only bodies left inside the bus now,” he remarked. “Even after four hours, the vehicle remains too hot for recovery of remains.” A forensic team from Jodhpur has been sent to aid in the investigation and identification of the deceased.
Municipal Council Assistant Fire Officer Krishnapal Singh Rathore indicated that 10 to 12 deaths are predicted, but eyewitness accounts and fire officials worry the count could rise above 15. The suspected cause of the fire is a short circuit, although an official inquiry is underway.
Upon learning of the tragedy, local residents and bystanders quickly arrived to assist. The fire department and police were immediately notified. Eight ambulances have since left Jaisalmer, establishing a green corridor on National Highway 125 to facilitate the rapid transfer of the injured to Jodhpur.
Dr. Vikas Rajpurohit, Superintendent of Mathura Das Mathur (MDM) Hospital in Jodhpur, commented, “We have been informed about the accident. Preparations are in place at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, and the trauma center is ready. Medical personnel are on standby to address the emergency.”
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, who oversees the Jaisalmer district, will be visiting the site of the disaster shortly.
The CM has requested a thorough report from the district administration and is expected to travel from Jaipur soon.