20 Killed After Bus Catches Fire On Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway

Twenty people were burnt alive in a horrific tragedy on Tuesday afternoon when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur in Rajasthan caught fire, the police said.

Police said the bus, carrying 57 passengers, left Jaisalmer around 3 pm. On the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke began emerging from the rear portion.

The driver stopped the bus along the roadside, but within moments, the flames engulfed the vehicle.

Locals and passers-by rushed to the spot and assisted in the rescue efforts. Fire engines and police were informed.

Prima facie, it appears that the fire broke out due to a short circuit, police said.

In a tragic irony, the bus involved in the accident was reportedly purchased only five days ago.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma arrived in Jaisalmer late Tuesday night. The officials from the Chief Minister's office said that he also inspected the bus destroyed in the accident.

Fifteen passengers - including four women and two children- sustained serious burn injuries, with some suffering up to 70 per cent burns. They were initially rushed to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer via three ambulances and later referred to Jodhpur for advanced treatment.

The Jaisalmer district administration said it promptly began relief and rescue operations after receiving information about the accident.

District Collector Pratap Singh directed officials to ensure immediate medical care for the injured. Helpline numbers were also issued.

A green corridor was created on National Highway 125 to facilitate the urgent transfer, with eight ambulances escorted by police. 

The District Collector confirmed that the bus was completely gutted and many victims were burned beyond recognition. 

DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur have arrived to aid in identification.

"The identity of the deceased will be confirmed through DNA testing, similar to the protocol followed in the Ahmedabad plane crash. Only then will the bodies be handed over to their families," the Collector said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives.

"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," PM Modi was quoted as saying in an X post by the PMO.

"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," he said.