19 Dead as Bus Catches Fire on Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway

In a horrific tragedy that has shaken Rajasthan, nineteen people were burnt alive on Tuesday afternoon after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on the highway. The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m., left both locals and officials in shock as flames engulfed the vehicle within moments, leaving passengers trapped inside.

According to police officials, the bus was carrying 57 passengers when it left Jaisalmer for Jodhpur. As it travelled along the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway, smoke began to emerge from the rear portion of the bus. The driver quickly pulled over to the roadside and tried to assess the situation. However, before he or the passengers could react, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire bus in flames.

Locals and passers-by immediately rushed to the scene and joined in the rescue efforts. They tried to break windows and pull passengers to safety, even as the fire intensified. Fire engines and police teams were alerted and arrived soon after, but by then, the blaze had already destroyed most of the bus.

Short Circuit Suspected as the Cause

Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit in the engine area may have caused the fire. Police officials said they are still examining the vehicle and will confirm the cause once forensic analysis is completed.

In a tragic twist, authorities revealed that the bus was purchased only five days ago, making the incident even more heartbreaking.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Visits Accident Site

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma rushed to Jaisalmer late on Tuesday night after receiving news of the tragedy. He visited the site of the burnt bus and met with district officials to assess the situation. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Sharma also reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations and assured full support to the victims’ families.

Officials said the Chief Minister has instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured and to ensure the families of the deceased receive necessary assistance.

Fifteen Seriously Injured, Including Women and Children

At least fifteen passengers, including four women and two children, sustained severe burn injuries in the fire. Some of the victims have reportedly suffered up to 70 percent burns. The injured were first taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer by three ambulances and later shifted to Jodhpur for advanced treatment as their condition worsened.

District officials acted swiftly after receiving reports of the incident. Jaisalmer District Collector Pratap Singh directed the administration to prioritize immediate medical attention for the injured.

A green corridor was created along National Highway 125 to facilitate the urgent transfer of the injured from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. Eight ambulances, escorted by police vehicles, were used to transport the victims safely and swiftly.

Identification Challenges: DNA Testing to Confirm Victims

The intensity of the fire was so severe that many victims were burnt beyond recognition, making identification extremely difficult. Officials confirmed that the bus was completely gutted, leaving little behind apart from charred remains.

To assist in the identification process, DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur have arrived at the site. District Collector Pratap Singh said that authorities will confirm the identity of the deceased through DNA testing, following procedures similar to those used in the Ahmedabad plane crash earlier this year.

Relief Measures and Helplines Issued

The Jaisalmer district administration promptly began relief operations soon after the fire was reported. Emergency helpline numbers were issued for families seeking information about missing or injured passengers.

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Rescue teams, including police, fire personnel, and local volunteers, worked through the evening to recover bodies and secure the site. The authorities have also begun assessing damages and have assured compensation for victims and their families once identification is complete.

Nation Mourns the Tragedy

The devastating fire has triggered widespread grief across Rajasthan and beyond. Messages of condolences poured in from political leaders, actors, and citizens on social media, expressing shock over the loss of lives.

Many have called for stricter vehicle safety inspections and emergency preparedness for long-distance buses, especially on routes through desert regions like Jaisalmer.

As Rajasthan mourns this heartbreaking incident, authorities continue their investigation into how a newly purchased bus could meet such a disastrous fate — and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.