In a tragic incident, as many as twenty passengers were killed and 16 were critically injured when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday. As per the police, the incident occurred near the military station in the Thaiyat area. The video of the incident has also surfaced, showing thick smoke billowing from the bus, which forced the driver to halt it immediately. According to police, the bus, carrying 57 passengers, left Jaisalmer around 3 pm. On the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke began emerging from the rear portion. The driver stopped the bus along the roadside, but within moments, the flames engulfed the vehicle.
Firefighters rush to the spot
As soon as the fire was reported, fire tenders and Army personnel stationed nearby swung into action to control the blaze. As per eyewitnesses, their prompt response helped prevent the fire from spreading further. The bus was completely charred in the incident. According to initial reports, the fire is suspected to have been triggered by the illegal transport of firecrackers inside the air-conditioned bus. Sources said a short circuit in the bus' electrical system likely ignited the crackers, causing the blaze to intensify rapidly.
Jaisalmer district administration issues statement
Meanwhile, the Jaisalmer district administration has issued an official statement following the tragic incident. According to the administration, relief and rescue operations were launched immediately after information about the fire was received. Teams from the district administration are present at the site and are actively assisting passengers affected by the incident.
District Collector Pratap Singh has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed concerned officials to ensure prompt relief measures and proper medical care for the injured. The injured passengers are being treated with urgency at Shri Jawahir Hospital, he added. The administration has also appealed to the public to contact the following helpline numbers for any information or assistance related to the incident:
- 9414801400
- 8003101400
- 02992-252201
- 02992-255055
CM Bhajanlal Sharma reacts
The district administration added that it is closely monitoring the situation and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reacted to the incident and termed it "extremely heartbreaking". "The incident of bus fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deep condolences to the citizens affected by this tragic accident. Instructions have been given to the concerned officials to provide proper treatment to the injured and all possible assistance to the affected. May Lord Shri Ram give place to the departed souls at his feet. The state government is with the affected families and is committed to providing them all possible support," he wrote on X.
Later, Chief Minister Sharma also reached Jaisalmer and took stock of the situation. He also instructed the officials to ramp up the rescue operation. After reviewing the relief operations at the accident site, he will visit Jodhpur to meet the injured.
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