At least 20 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan. The tragic incident occurred on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway when the vehicle, carrying 57 passengers, was engulfed in flames shortly after smoke was seen emerging from its rear section.
According to local authorities, the bus had departed Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. and was en route to Jodhpur when the driver noticed smoke billowing from the back of the vehicle. He immediately stopped on the roadside and attempted to evacuate passengers, but the flames spread rapidly, leaving little time for many to escape.
Emergency services, including local police and fire tenders, rushed to the scene soon after receiving distress calls. Several passers-by and nearby villagers joined rescue efforts, helping to pull passengers from the burning vehicle before the blaze intensified. Officials said that the fire was eventually brought under control, but by then, significant casualties had already occurred.
Injured passengers were transported to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer for immediate treatment. Sixteen critically injured individuals were later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur for specialized care. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit in the engine compartment might have triggered the fire, though forensic teams continue to examine the wreckage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragedy, calling it “deeply distressing.” In a post on social media, he wrote, “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.”
The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), with ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma arrived in Jaisalmer later in the evening to assess the situation firsthand. He met with rescue officials, medical teams, and the families of the victims, instructing authorities to ensure the best possible care for those injured. “The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected by this tragic accident,” Sharma said in a statement, adding that the state government would provide all necessary assistance.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Indian Army personnel and local residents who joined relief efforts at the accident site. Owing to the gravity of the situation, Sharma cancelled a scheduled campaign event in Patna to remain in Rajasthan and oversee the state’s response.
Pokaran MLA Pratap Puri, MLA Sangh Singh Bhati, and several senior officials from the district administration accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit. Governor Haribhau Bagade, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and BJP state president Madan Rathore also extended their condolences to the bereaved families.
Jaisalmer District Collector Pratap Singh confirmed that relief and rescue operations were carried out promptly, and helpline numbers were established to assist relatives of the passengers. Authorities are expected to release a full list of the deceased and injured once identification procedures are complete.
The accident has cast a shadow over Rajasthan, with many calling for stricter safety checks on long-distance private buses. As investigations continue, officials have pledged to determine the precise cause of the fire and to ensure that victims’ families receive timely aid and justice.
