At least 20 people died and several others sustained injuries after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on Tuesday.
According to officials, the fire broke out after smoke was seen emerging from the rear section of the moving bus, which had departed from Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. “The moving bus burst into flames. Casualties have been reported. The injured have been rushed to the hospital. Rescue operation is continuing,” said Jaisalmer Additional SP Kailash Dhan.
Local villagers and passersby rushed to the spot and helped rescue passengers until fire and police teams reached the site.
Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan said that 16 injured passengers were brought to Jodhpur for treatment. “Fifteen injured are receiving treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, and one at Shri Ram Hospital,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives, posting on X: “The news of the loss of life due to a bus fire in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is deeply saddening. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed condolences and announced financial assistance for the victims. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he said, “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 PMO added that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while ₹50,000 would be provided to the injured.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the accident site and met officials overseeing the rescue operation. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, he expressed deep grief and instructed authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured.
“The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected and have directed officials to provide all possible assistance,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
He added that the state government stands firmly with the families of the victims and will extend every possible support.
The district administrations of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer have issued helpline numbers for families seeking information about their relatives.
In an official message, authorities requested public assistance in identifying victims of the KK Travels bus (RJ 09 PA 8040). DNA samples are being collected from close relatives of the deceased at designated centres — Cottages 4 and 5 of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur, and the Trauma Centre of Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer.
(inputs from ani)