Rajasthan – A devastating Jaisalmer Bus Fire tragedy unfolded on Tuesday when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village in Rajasthan. According to the police, at least 20 passengers lost their lives, and 16 others sustained critical injuries in the horrific incident. The Jaisalmer Bus Fire occurred around 3 p.m. shortly after the vehicle departed from Jaisalmer, carrying 57 passengers.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze that engulfed the bus in minutes. The Jaisalmer Bus Fire has left the nation in shock, with widespread condolences pouring in for the victims and their families.
How the Jaisalmer Bus Fire Unfolded
Officials said the Jaisalmer Bus Fire began when smoke started emanating from the back of the bus while it was moving along the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The driver stopped the vehicle immediately, but within moments, flames spread rapidly across the bus, leaving passengers trapped inside.
Eyewitnesses of the Jaisalmer Bus Fire described scenes of panic as people struggled to escape. Local villagers and passers-by rushed to help rescue passengers, breaking windows to pull out survivors. Army personnel stationed nearby also joined the rescue operations, providing crucial assistance in containing the fire and helping the injured.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Response
Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the site of the Jaisalmer Bus Fire, and the severely injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Sixteen passengers with critical burns were referred to a hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment.
Authorities confirmed that among the 20 fatalities in the Jaisalmer Bus Fire, 19 people died inside the bus, while one succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital. The quick intervention of locals, police, and the Army helped prevent an even greater loss of life.
Pokran BJP MLA Pratap Puri said that the magnitude of the Jaisalmer Bus Fire was unprecedented in the region and commended the efforts of the villagers who helped rescue survivors amid the chaos.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Visits the Site
Following reports of the Jaisalmer Bus Fire, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma immediately reached the site to review the situation. He was briefed by senior officers about the ongoing investigation and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that the state government would extend full support to the victims’ families. He emphasized that the Jaisalmer Bus Fire investigation would determine the exact cause and ensure accountability for any negligence.
PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia for Victims’ Families
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the Jaisalmer Bus Fire tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. The Prime Minister described the loss of lives as “deeply painful” and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
The Jaisalmer Bus Fire has reignited discussions around road safety and vehicle inspection standards, especially for private transport services. The Prime Minister’s announcement aims to provide some immediate relief to the grieving families.
President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed sorrow over the Jaisalmer Bus Fire, calling it “extremely heartbreaking.” She extended her condolences to the victims’ families and wished for the swift recovery of those injured.
“The news of the deaths of several people due to a fire in a bus in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the President said. Her statement added moral weight to the national outpouring of grief following the Jaisalmer Bus Fire.
Possible Cause of the Jaisalmer Bus Fire
Preliminary findings indicate that the Jaisalmer Bus Fire likely began due to an electrical short circuit. Officials have taken possession of the bus remains for forensic examination. Authorities aim to determine whether faulty wiring, overloading, or poor maintenance contributed to the fire.
Experts said the Jaisalmer Bus Fire could highlight the urgent need for stricter safety audits and mandatory maintenance checks for long-distance private buses. The government is expected to review transport safety protocols in light of this tragedy.
Nation Mourns Jaisalmer Bus Fire Victims
The Jaisalmer Bus Fire has prompted condolences from across the political spectrum. Citizens took to social media to express solidarity with the victims’ families. Many called for tougher regulations and improved safety standards for private transport operators.
As rescue and recovery operations conclude, the Jaisalmer Bus Fire stands as one of the deadliest accidents in recent years in Rajasthan. Investigations continue, and authorities remain focused on identifying systemic lapses that could prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
Aftermath and Safety Lessons
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of enforcing safety norms for passenger vehicles. Officials are expected to review safety protocols for intercity buses, particularly those operating on long routes through remote regions.
For now, the priority remains ensuring medical care for the injured and financial support for the affected families. The incident has shaken Rajasthan and brought national attention to the need for stringent safety regulations across the transport sector.
