In a horrifying incident early Wednesday morning, at least 20 passengers lost their lives and 16 others sustained injuries after a private bus traveling from Barmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
According to police officials, the tragic accident occurred on the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer Highway, when the bus reportedly collided with a tanker carrying inflammable material. The impact was so intense that the bus went up in flames within minutes, trapping several passengers inside.
Local residents and passersby rushed to the scene and tried to rescue the victims, but the raging fire made it nearly impossible to pull many of them out. Fire tenders and police teams from nearby stations were soon deployed to control the blaze and assist in rescue operations.
District Collector and senior police officials reached the spot to monitor relief efforts. The injured have been shifted to Jodhpur’s AIIMS Hospital and nearby healthcare centers, where several are reported to be in critical condition.
Preliminary reports suggest that a fuel leak or spark from the collision could have triggered the fire, though an official investigation is underway to confirm the cause.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has expressed deep grief over the incident and announced compensation for the families of the deceased and financial aid for the injured. He also directed officials to ensure that the best possible medical care is provided to survivors.
This tragic mishap has once again raised questions about road safety measures, vehicle maintenance, and the handling of inflammable materials on highways.
As rescue teams continue their search and identification process, the charred remains of the bus stand as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for stricter transport safety regulations in the country.
