A private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village, about 10 km from Jaisalmer, on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a tragedy with at least 20 fatalities and 16 people critically injured, according to police.
Among the dead were three children, heightening public shock over the calamity. Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze may have started from a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit, possibly triggering a gas leak that intensified the flames.
Eyewitnesses reported that smoke and fire erupted from the rear of the bus shortly after departure. The driver tried to stop the vehicle near a military station, but the fire spread rapidly, trapping several passengers inside as the main exit became blocked. Many victims were unable to escape due to the quick spread of the flames and the narrow aisle of the bus.
Reports indicate the bus had been recently modified into an air-conditioned vehicle, just days before the accident, raising serious concerns about safety standards and the quality of the conversion work. Flames engulfed the front of the vehicle, cutting off the only major exit and turning the bus into a death trap.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are working to identify the victims, with DNA testing required in many cases. The state government and national leaders have expressed condolences, while compensation for victims’ families is expected to be announced soon.
