Preliminary police investigation suggests a short circuit may have caused the fire; rescue teams rushed victims to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur hospitals.
BY PC Bureau
October 15: At least 21 people were burnt alive and 15 others critically injured after a bus traveling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer suddenly caught fire on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 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.
The bus, carrying 57 passengers, had departed Jaisalmer around 3 pm. Smoke was noticed emerging from the rear of the vehicle while it was traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The driver immediately stopped on the roadside, but the bus was soon engulfed in flames.
Locals and passers-by rushed to help, while fire tenders and police arrived promptly. The injured were initially taken to Jawahar Hospital, Jaisalmer, and 16 critically injured passengers were later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur. One of these patients succumbed to injuries during treatment.
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Police said preliminary investigations indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. The Jaisalmer district administration confirmed that relief and rescue operations were launched immediately, with District Collector Pratap Singh directing officials to ensure proper medical care and issuing helplines for concerned families.
Shocking and Horrifying
Massive fire accident in Jaisalmer: A moving AC bus caught fire, more than 15 passengers died a painful death by burning alive… #JaisalmerBusFire #Jaisalmer #Rajasthan #FireAccident pic.twitter.com/w41n3z4eJK
— TIger NS (@TIgerNS3) October 14, 2025
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Jaisalmer to inspect the accident site and thanked army personnel and local residents who assisted in the rescue. He was accompanied by Pokaran MLA Pratap Puri, MLA Sangh Singh Bhati, and other officials. The Chief Minister also cancelled a scheduled campaign programme in Patna due to the tragedy.
Expressing condolences, political leaders including Governor Haribhau Bagade, former CM Ashok Gehlot, and BJP state president Madan Rathore urged swift relief measures. On X, CM Sharma said:
“The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. Directions have been given to officials for proper treatment of the injured and to extend every possible help to the victims.”
President Droupadi Murmu called the incident “extremely heartbreaking” and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also expressed sorrow, stating:
“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
