A devastating accident on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway claimed the lives of at least 20 passengers when a private bus caught fire on Tuesday afternoon. According to the police, 16 others were critically injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment in a hospital in Jodhpur.

The bus, carrying a total of 57 passengers, had departed from Jaisalmer at around 3 pm en route to Jodhpur. Eyewitness reports and preliminary investigations indicate that the fire likely broke out due to a short circuit, although authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause.

Sequence of the Incident

According to the police, the fire started in the rear portion of the bus, quickly producing thick smoke that filled the vehicle. The driver, noticing the smoke, attempted to pull the bus over to the roadside. However, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire bus before effective evacuation could be carried out.

Locals and passers-by rushed to the site and attempted to rescue passengers. Several people sustained severe burn injuries while trying to escape the inferno. In addition, army personnel stationed nearby assisted in the rescue operation, helping to evacuate the critically injured and transport them to hospitals.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 20 fatalities, 19 passengers died on the spot, while one succumbed to burn injuries on the way to Jodhpur, as confirmed by BJP MLA from Pokran, Pratap Puri, who spoke to PTI. The injured, many suffering from severe burns, were referred to Jodhpur hospitals for immediate treatment. The condition of the critically injured passengers remains serious, and medical teams are providing intensive care.

Official Response

Upon receiving news of the tragic incident, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to Jaisalmer to assess the situation and receive a detailed briefing from police and emergency responders. The chief minister has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and directed authorities to provide immediate relief and medical assistance to the survivors.

The local administration has announced that the families of the deceased will receive financial assistance and other support measures, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Measures

Rescue efforts at the site were led jointly by local police, fire services, and army personnel, who worked tirelessly to control the flames and evacuate survivors. Emergency vehicles, including fire tenders and ambulances, were dispatched promptly to manage the crisis.

Authorities have confirmed that the bus was privately owned, and initial reports suggest that safety protocols, including the availability of fire extinguishers, may not have been adequately followed. Police officials have stated that a thorough inspection of the bus operator’s records, vehicle maintenance logs, and driver certifications is underway as part of the investigation.

Witness Accounts

Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene, describing thick black smoke, screams for help, and the flames spreading within minutes. Many passengers reportedly attempted to break windows and doors to escape the fire, but the speed and intensity of the blaze made evacuation extremely difficult.

A local resident who assisted in the rescue said, “We saw the bus engulfed in flames almost instantly. Some passengers jumped out while others were trapped inside. We tried to help as many as we could before the fire became uncontrollable.”

Road Safety Concerns

This tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and bus maintenance in Rajasthan, especially for long-distance private buses. Authorities are reviewing safety regulations, fire prevention measures, and emergency preparedness protocols for private transport operators to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Rajasthan Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law, including negligence and endangerment, and are investigating the circumstances leading to the outbreak of fire. Preliminary findings point to an electrical short circuit in the rear of the vehicle, but officials are awaiting forensic examination and technical reports.

Broader Implications

Incidents like these highlight the urgent need for stringent monitoring of private transport vehicles, particularly for long-haul journeys. Proper maintenance, emergency exits, availability of fire extinguishers, and staff training are critical to safeguarding passenger lives. Authorities have indicated that enhanced inspections and stricter enforcement of safety norms will be undertaken in the aftermath of this tragedy.

The Rajasthan government is coordinating with hospitals in Jodhpur and surrounding areas to ensure adequate medical facilities are available to treat burn victims and trauma-affected survivors. Psychologists and counselors are also being deployed to provide mental health support to the injured and the families of those who lost their lives.

Conclusion

The Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway bus fire stands as a grim reminder of the importance of passenger safety in private road transport. While rescue and treatment operations are ongoing, the investigation into the incident will focus on determining the exact cause of the fire, evaluating adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring accountability for the loss of life. Authorities have pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent such disasters in the future and have called for heightened vigilance across the state’s road transport sector.

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