At least 21 people were burnt alive and 16 others seriously injured when a private bus going from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon. The bus, operated by KK Travels, was introduced on the route just five days ago, and now more details have emerged which reveal that the AC bus was converted into a sleeper coach, and passengers had to scramble to escape the fire. Police said that the bus carrying 57 passengers had left Jaisalmer at around 3 pm. Smoke started coming out from the rear of the bus on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The driver stopped the bus on the roadside, but within a few moments the flames engulfed the entire vehicle. Local people and passersby reached the spot and helped in the rescue operation. Fire engines and police were informed.
Prime Minister expressed condolences, announced assistance of Rs 2 lakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims. The Prime Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. In a post on Twitter on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Modi said, “I am distressed by the loss of life and property in the accident in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
21 people died in Jaisalmer bus fire
This bus carrying 57 passengers had left Jaisalmer at around 3 pm on Tuesday afternoon. While traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke was seen emanating from the rear of the vehicle. The driver immediately stopped the bus on the roadside, but within a few moments the bus burst into flames.
Local people and passers-by rushed to the spot to help, while fire engines and police arrived immediately. The injured passengers were first taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, and 16 seriously injured people were later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment. One of the 16 passengers died during treatment in the hospital.
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Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. Jaisalmer district administration has confirmed that relief and rescue operations were started immediately. District Collector Pratap Singh directed officials to ensure that all injured passengers receive immediate medical care, and issued helpline numbers for families seeking information about the affected people.
Chief Minister visited Jaisalmer
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reached Jaisalmer to inspect the accident site. He expressed his gratitude to the military personnel and local residents who assisted in the rescue and relief operations. Pokaran MLA Pratap Puri, MLA Sangh Singh Bhati and other officials of the district administration were also present along with Sharma. Considering the seriousness of the incident, the Chief Minister also canceled his scheduled election campaign program in Patna. Many political leaders including Governor Haribhau Bagde, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and BJP state president Madan Rathore expressed their condolences.
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In a post on Twitter, Chief Minister Sharma said, “The incident of fire in a bus in Jaisalmer is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the people affected by this tragic accident. Instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to provide proper treatment to the injured and provide all possible assistance to the victims.”
President Draupadi Murmu said that this incident is extremely heartbreaking and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also expressed grief and said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic incident of bus fire in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
#WATCH | Rajasthan: A Jaisalmer-Jodhpur bus burst into flames in Jaisalmer. Fire tenders and Police present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/8vcxx5ID1q
– years (@ani) October 14, 2025