At least 20 passengers were killed and more than 15 were injured when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan.
As per the reports, it is said that the fire started due to a short circuit in the air conditioning unit, rapidly spreading throughout the vehicle. The bus, which had only one entry and exit door, became engulfed in flames within minutes, leaving many trapped inside.
Eyewitnesses reported that smoke first emerged from the rear of the bus shortly after it departed from Jaisalmer. The driver managed to pull over near a military station, but by then, the blaze had intensified. Nineteen bodies were recovered from the charred remains, while another victim died on the way to the hospital.
The injured, several of whom suffered severe burns, were initially taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Jodhpur for advanced treatment. Authorities are conducting DNA tests to identify the deceased due to the extent of the burns.
Expressing grief over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured. Rajasthan Chief Minister visited the accident site and directed officials to ensure all possible medical and financial assistance to victims and their families.
A detailed investigation has been launched to find out the cause of the fire, including potential mechanical and safety lapses.
Also Read: BJP Announces First List of 71 Candidates for Bihar Assembly Polls
