Tragic Bus Fire on Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway Claims 20 Lives, Dozens Injured; PM Announces Compensation
An air-conditioned bus travelling on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway burst into flames. The fire quickly consumed the vehicle, causing the deaths of 20 people and injuries to dozens more.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 15: A bus running from Jodhpur and heading to Jaisalmer had a sudden explosion of fire. At least 20 people died in the fire and another 15 were seriously injured.
PM, President, VP Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the families of the deceased will get Rs 2 lakh as compensation. He also announced that the injured will be given compensation of Rs 50,000.
He posted, “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," on social media platform X on Tuesday night.
President Droupadi Murmu said, “The news of the deaths of several people due to a fire in a bus in Jaisalmer is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the tragic bus fire incident in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Rajasthan CM Cancels Campaign, Visits Accident Site
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Jaisalmer to inspect the site. He appreciated villagers and army personnel for aiding in relief and rescue operations.
MLA from Pokran Pratap Puri and MLA Sangh Singh Bhati, besides other local administrative officials accompanied Sharma. The campaign programme of the CM was also cancelled at Patna following the gravity of the incident.
BJP state president Madan Rathore, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and governor Haribhau Bagade also conveyed their grief.
Army, Villagers, and Firefighters Led Rescue Operations
The Army’s Battle Axe Division was based nearby and responded first. The Army rescue team was led by General Officer Commanding Major General Ashish Khurana.
But Jaisalmer Collector Pratap Singh has said it was the intense heat that delayed rescue by more than four hours. The search for bodies that might be trapped there was delayed because the metal body of the bus was still too hot to approach.
The bus, which had 57 passengers on board, left Jaisalmer Tuesday at around 3 pm and smoke was seen belching out from the back of the vehicle when it was travelling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The driver immediately pulled the bus over on the side of the road, but it was quickly engulfed in flames.
Victims Shifted to Jodhpur Hospital for Treatment
Police and firemen arrived quickly. Residents rushed to the scene to assist. 16 grievously injured passengers were later shifted to a hospital in Jodhpur for further treatment. They were initially taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer.
Six of the deceased were residents of Jodhpur and others residents of Jaisalmer. The injured include Mahipal Singh (50), Olaram (45), Yunus (8), Manoj Bhatia (45), Iqbal (52), Firoz(40), Baga Bai(54),(female) Pir Mohammed (60) Jeevraj(15) Imamat(60) Vishakha(24) Ashish.(26 ), Rafiq'(79 ) Lakshman(35 ) and Ubaidullah by officials.
Questions Raised on Bus Safety and Recent Modifications
An investigation is under way into the recent AC modification and the bus driver. Questions have also been raised about security clearances and suitability follow-ups post-conversion. The remains of the bus have been moved to an Army station and are being further studied.
