Jaipur, Oct 14: In a devastating tragedy, at least 20 passengers were burnt alive on Tuesday afternoon when a moving AC sleeper bus caught fire on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway near Thaiyat village in Rajasthan.
The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m., reportedly due to a short circuit in the rear section of the bus, and rapidly engulfed the entire vehicle. The bus, which had 57 passengers on board, was completely gutted within minutes. Eyewitnesses described seeing thick smoke and flames shooting into the sky as panicked passengers tried to escape.
Fifteen passengers, including four women and two children, sustained severe burns — some up to 70 per cent — and were rushed to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer before being transferred to Jodhpur for advanced treatment via a green corridor on National Highway 125.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached Jaisalmer late Tuesday night to inspect the accident site and the charred remains of the bus. He expressed deep grief and thanked army personnel and locals for their swift assistance. The Chief Minister is expected to visit the injured in Jodhpur on Wednesday.
District Collector Pratap Singh confirmed that many victims were burned beyond recognition. Forensic and DNA teams from Jodhpur have been deployed to help identify the bodies. “The identity of the deceased will be confirmed through DNA testing before being handed over to their families,” Singh said, adding that a helpline has been set up for relatives of victims.
Among the deceased was journalist Rajendra Singh Chauhan, while Manoj Bhatia of the Jaisalmer Chemist Association sustained injuries. Former CM Ashok Gehlot and several leaders expressed condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking.”
Tragically, the bus involved had been purchased just five days ago.
