Jaisalmer:A massive fire engulfed a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur on Tuesday, killing 20 passengers and leaving 16 others critically injured, according to police. The incident occurred around 3 pm when the bus, carrying 57 passengers, caught fire near the Rasla area on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway.
Flames spread within minutes
Police officials said that smoke was first noticed from the rear portion of the bus, prompting the driver to halt on the roadside. However, within minutes, flames spread rapidly, trapping many passengers inside.
Local residents and passers-by rushed to help, breaking windows to rescue passengers even as the fire intensified. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as people struggled to escape through the narrow exit.
Fire tenders from Pokhran and Jaisalmer were deployed to the spot, and rescue operations continued for over two hours before the blaze was brought under control.
Victims and rescue response
Police confirmed that 20 passengers were burnt alive, while 16 others sustained severe burn injuries and were rushed to hospitals in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The identities of several victims are yet to be confirmed, officials said.
District Collector Ashish Gupta and senior police officers reached the spot to oversee rescue and relief work. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Initial reports suggest a short circuit in the engine compartment could have triggered the blaze, though a detailed forensic analysis is awaited.
PM announces ex-gratia compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also conveyed condolences and assured that the injured were being provided the “best possible treatment.”
Investigation underway
Officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) are inspecting the vehicle’s documents and safety compliance records. Preliminary findings indicate that the bus did not have adequate fire safety equipment, which may have worsened the situation.
Eyewitnesses said that had fire extinguishers or emergency exits been functional, several lives could have been saved. Authorities have ordered a safety audit of all long-distance private buses operating in the region.
Community support and aftermath
Local NGOs and residents have come forward to assist victims’ families. Several of the bodies were charred beyond recognition and will undergo DNA testing to establish identity.
As the region mourns the loss of lives, the tragedy has reignited debate over road safety standards and vehicle fire preparedness in India’s public and private transport sector.