21 Dead, 15 Injured as Bus Bursts Into Flames on Jodhpur–Jaisalmer Highway; PM Modi, President Murmu Express Grief
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan):
A horrific tragedy struck Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on Tuesday when a passenger bus carrying 57 people suddenly caught fire while travelling along the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer highway. Despite the driver’s quick action to stop the vehicle, the flames spread rapidly, killing 21 passengers and leaving at least 15 others critically injured.
According to eyewitnesses, smoke began emanating from the rear portion of the bus shortly after it left Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. The driver immediately pulled over to the roadside, but within minutes, the bus was engulfed in flames. Locals and passers-by rushed to help before fire tenders and police teams arrived to carry out rescue operations.
PM Modi, President Murmu Among Those Who Expressed Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of those who died, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
“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,”
— PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
President Droupadi Murmu called the incident “extremely heartbreaking” and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed grief, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
Investigation Points to Short Circuit
Police officials said that preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit may have triggered the fire. The exact cause, however, is still under investigation.
Rescue teams shifted the injured to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, and 16 critically injured passengers were later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment. Unfortunately, one of them succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Relief Efforts and Government Response
The Jaisalmer district administration launched immediate relief and rescue operations. District Collector Pratap Singh instructed officials to ensure proper medical care for all injured passengers. Helpline numbers were also issued to assist families seeking information about their loved ones.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reached Jaisalmer to review the situation firsthand. Accompanied by Pokaran MLA Pratap Puri, MLA Sangh Singh Bhati, and senior officials, Sharma thanked Army personnel and local residents who participated in the rescue efforts.
In a post on X, he wrote:
“The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected. Directions have been given to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and to extend all necessary help to the victims.”
Due to the severity of the tragedy, the Chief Minister cancelled his scheduled campaign event in Patna to remain in Jaisalmer.
Political Leaders Condole Loss
Governor Haribhau Bagade, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and BJP state president Madan Rathore also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and praised the swift response of rescue teams.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in long-distance buses, as well as stricter inspection protocols to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
