Rajasthan Tragedy: 20 Killed in Jaisalmer Bus Inferno, Authorities Issue Urgent Helplines

A pall of grief has descended upon Rajasthan following a horrific bus accident near Jaisalmer where an air-conditioned sleeper bus burst into flames, claiming the lives of at least 20 passengers and critically injuring 16 others. The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon near Thaiyat village on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, has prompted a major response from state and central authorities, who have immediately mobilised rescue efforts and issued multiple helpline numbers to assist grieving and anxious families.

The ill-fated private bus, carrying an estimated 57 passengers, had departed from Jaisalmer for Jodhpur around 3:00 PM. Witnesses and preliminary reports suggest that a fire, possibly triggered by a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit or the suspected illegal transportation of inflammable material like firecrackers, erupted violently from the rear of the vehicle just minutes into the journey. The blaze spread with devastating speed, turning the luxury bus into a deadly inferno and trapping scores of passengers inside.

The rapid escalation of the fire left passengers with minimal time to react, as the flames and smoke blocked escape routes. Harrowing accounts from survivors and local villagers described scenes of panic, with some managing to jump out of the moving vehicle in a desperate bid to save their lives.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The initial response was bolstered by the quick arrival of personnel from the nearby Army’s Battle Axe Division, along with local residents and passers-by, who immediately rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue operations before fire tenders and police arrived. Despite their brave efforts, the intensity of the blaze meant that 19 passengers were tragically charred to death inside the bus, while one more succumbed to critical burn injuries en route to Jodhpur, bringing the total fatalities to 20. The severity of the burns sustained by the victims, including women and children, has made identification challenging, requiring forensic analysis and DNA testing.

Sixteen passengers suffered critical burn injuries, some up to 70%, and were first rushed to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer before being referred to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital and Shri Ram Hospital in Jodhpur for advanced medical care. A ‘green corridor’ was created on National Highway 125 to ensure the swift transfer of the gravely injured.

Helpline Numbers Issued for Families

Recognising the urgent need for information and support, the District Administrations of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur have promptly released several helpline numbers. Families of those missing or untraceable in the accident are urged to use these contact points to assist with identification and receive necessary updates.

Helpline Numbers for Information and Assistance:

Export to Sheets

The administration has announced that DNA samples will be collected from two of the deceased’s closest relatives to ensure accurate identification before the bodies are handed over.

High-Level Condolences and Compensation

The tragedy has drawn heartfelt condolences and swift action from the highest levels of government. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their profound sorrow over the loss of lives.

Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured individual.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the accident site late Tuesday evening and subsequently travelled to Jodhpur to meet the injured and their families at the hospital. He personally inquired about their treatment and instructed doctors and officials to ensure the best possible medical care for all victims. The Chief Minister affirmed the state government’s commitment to providing all necessary assistance to the affected families during this difficult time.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the catastrophic fire and to examine potential safety and regulatory lapses, particularly given reports that the bus may have recently undergone an unapproved modification from non-AC to AC. The focus of the probe will also be on whether any illegal inflammable materials were being transported, which may have contributed to the rapid spread and devastating scale of the blaze.