At least 19 passengers have been killed after a moving passenger bus caught fire in Rajasthan, a northwestern state of India. Police said the accident occurred on Tuesday when the bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur suddenly caught fire.
According to police, the bus, carrying 57 passengers, started its journey from Jaisalmer around 3 PM. Smoke was later seen coming from the rear of the vehicle as it traveled along the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway. The driver immediately stopped the bus by the roadside, but within moments, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames.
Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot to begin rescue operations. Eyewitnesses reported that many passengers were unable to exit the bus in time and were burned to death.
Indian media outlet NDTV reported that fire service and police teams reached the scene upon receiving the news and managed to bring the blaze under control. Injured passengers were rescued and taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have caused the fire. The Jaisalmer district administration said rescue and relief operations began immediately after receiving the report of the fire.
District Collector Pratap Singh has instructed authorities to ensure quick treatment for the injured and has launched a helpline number for assistance.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagad, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP State President Madan Rathore, and several other political leaders have expressed deep grief over the tragic incident.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that he has directed concerned authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and maximum support for the victims’ families.
In a social media post, he wrote, “The incident of the bus fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives. Instructions have been given to ensure full treatment for the injured and maximum assistance for the affected families.”
