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A private bus traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway caught fire, killing 20 passengers, including children. How did smoke turn into a deadly blaze so quickly, what’s being done for the victims’ families?
Among the deceased were three children.
Jaisalmer: A tragic bus fire on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway claimed the lives of 20 passengers on October 14. The private bus, carrying around 57 passengers, caught fire near Thaiyat village, roughly 10 km from Jaisalmer city. Among the deceased were three children, while 16 others sustained critical injuries.
Authorities suspect the fire was triggered by a short circuit near the rear of the vehicle, possibly involving the bus’s air-conditioning system. Witnesses said the flames spread rapidly, trapping passengers inside.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the fire delayed immediate evacuation. Many passengers seated at the rear could not escape due to limited exits.
Bus catches fire on Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway; 15 passengers injured
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. An additional ₹50,000 will be provided to those injured. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan also conveyed condolences and prayers for the injured.
“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," PM Modi said in a post on X on Tuesday night.
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.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 14, 2025
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the accident site, directing officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and extended support to the families of victims. Local authorities confirmed that the bodies will be handed over after DNA testing to ensure correct identification, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
The incident has reignited concerns over transport safety in the region, with public and political calls for stricter enforcement of safety norms, particularly in long-distance private buses. Officials have appealed to locals and family members to assist with victim identification and are closely investigating the circumstances of the fire.
While traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke was first seen emerging from the rear of the bus. The driver promptly stopped the vehicle on the roadside, but within moments, it was completely engulfed in flames.
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Local residents and passers-by rushed to assist, while fire tenders and police arrived quickly at the scene. Injured passengers were initially admitted to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, and 16 critically injured individuals were subsequently transferred to a hospital in Jodhpur for advanced medical care.
With Diwali and the festive season approaching, authorities have urged bus operators to prioritize safety protocols, conduct regular maintenance checks, and ensure all emergency exits and equipment are functional. Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing, while district administration focuses on relief, rehabilitation, and victim support.
