20 killed, 16 critically injured as bus catches fire in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer; probe underway

At least 20 passengers were burnt alive and 16 others critically injured after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, according to a PTI report, citing police.

The bus, carrying 57 passengers, departed from Jaisalmer around 3 pm.

According to PTI, citing officials, smoke was first seen coming from the rear of the vehicle while it was on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The driver stopped the bus on the roadside, but within minutes, it was engulfed in flames.

Local residents and passers-by rushed to the scene to help rescue passengers, and Army personnel in the vicinity also joined the operation.

Fire tenders and police teams arrived shortly after being alerted. The injured were rushed to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, and 16 critically wounded passengers were later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though a detailed inquiry is underway.

Authorities are working to identify the victims, and further details are expected.

BJP MLA from Pokran Pratap Puri said that 20 passengers were killed in the incident.

“19 passengers died in the bus and one succumbed to burn injuries on the way to Jodhpur,” PTI quoted him as saying.

He said that the bus caught fire ten minutes after leaving Jaisalmer.

Following the accident, the district administration has issued an appeal for information to the kin of the victims to ascertain their identity. The bodies will be handed over to family members after DNA matching, officials said.

Upon receiving information regarding the incident, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reached Jaisalmer and was briefed by the officers.

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

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

Meanwhile, Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP state president Madan Rathore and other leaders expressed sorrow over the tragic incident.

The chief minister said instructions have been issued to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and all possible assistance to the affected.

“The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected by this tragic accident. Directions have been given to concerned officials for the proper treatment of the injured and to extend every possible help to the victims,” Sharma posted on X.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief and said that the death of 20 people was “unfortunate”.

With inputs from agencies