In a devastating incident on Tuesday afternoon, a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur in Rajasthan caught fire, leading to the deaths of 20 passengers and injuries to several others. The tragedy occurred near Thaiyat village on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway, prompting an immediate emergency response from local authorities.
According to officials, the bus was carrying about 57 passengers when smoke began rising from its rear section shortly after departure. The driver stopped the vehicle on the roadside, but the fire spread rapidly through the passenger compartment, leaving little time for evacuation. Flames engulfed the bus within minutes, trapping many inside.
Eyewitnesses said that residents from nearby areas rushed to the scene upon hearing cries for help. Locals, along with police and rescue personnel, broke windows and used iron rods to pull passengers out of the burning vehicle. Fire tenders arrived quickly and managed to douse the flames, but by then several passengers had already succumbed to the blaze.
Emergency teams transported the injured to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, while those in critical condition were referred to AIIMS Jodhpur for advanced medical care. The district administration later confirmed that 20 people had lost their lives, while more than a dozen sustained burns and trauma injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit might have caused the fire. The bus, reportedly purchased less than a week ago, was fitted with a new air-conditioning unit and upgraded wiring. Investigators are now examining whether faulty circuits, overheating, or improper installation triggered the accident.
Officials said that the bus’s narrow exit points and the rapid spread of flames worsened the situation. Forensic teams have been deployed to identify the deceased, many of whom were burned beyond recognition. The administration has set up a helpdesk and helpline numbers for families of missing passengers and victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also conveyed condolences and directed authorities to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.
A green corridor was established on National Highway 125 to ensure the smooth passage of ambulances and fire vehicles during rescue operations. Traffic along the route remained suspended for several hours while the wreckage was cleared.
The incident has renewed calls for stricter safety norms for private bus operators. Transport experts have urged authorities to enforce mandatory installation of fire suppression systems, frequent vehicle safety audits, and emergency exits compliant with national road transport standards. They emphasised that many such accidents could be prevented through regular inspection of electrical systems and better passenger safety training for bus staff.
District officials have ordered a thorough probe into the accident, focusing on possible negligence by the bus operator and the manufacturer. The Rajasthan Transport Department is expected to review operational safety measures and propose new checks for long-distance private buses.
As investigations continue, families mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones in what is being described as one of the worst highway tragedies in recent years. The state government has assured that accountability will be fixed, and long-term corrective measures will be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
