20 Killed in Jaisalmer Bus Fire; Vehicle Purchased Just 5 Days Ago

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic road accident on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway in Rajasthan claimed the lives of 20 people on Tuesday afternoon when a private bus caught fire, leaving passengers trapped inside. The bus, carrying 57 passengers, had been purchased only five days earlier. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit as the likely cause of the fire. The incident has left the local community in shock and grief.

The bus departed from Jaisalmer around 3 PM on Tuesday. While traveling on National Highway 125, smoke was suddenly seen emanating from the rear of the bus. The driver attempted to stop the vehicle on the roadside, but the flames quickly engulfed the entire bus, leaving passengers with no chance to escape.

Locals and passersby rushed to help, but the intensity of the fire initially prevented any rescue. Fire brigade and police teams were alerted and reached the scene promptly. District authorities immediately began rescue and relief operations. District Collector Pratap Singh stated that 20 bodies have been recovered, several of which are difficult to identify. Forensic and DNA teams have been called from Jodhpur, and identification of the deceased will be confirmed before handing over the bodies to their families.

Meanwhile, 15 passengers survived, despite serious burns. Among the survivors were four women and two children, who were first treated at Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer and then referred to Jodhpur for advanced medical care. The administration created a green corridor on the highway and transported the injured via eight ambulances.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep sorrow and visited Jaisalmer on Tuesday night to inspect the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences over the tragic incident.