- By Yashashvi Tak
- Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Rajasthan: The Jaisalmer bus incident was caused by a short circuit in the bus’s air-conditioning system, which triggered a gas leak. The resulting fire, combined with a jammed door, led to a high number of casualties. According to investigations, the bus, operated by KK Travels, had been introduced on the route just five days ago and was recently converted from non-AC to AC only a week ago, police said on Wednesday.
At least 21 people have died and 16 have been critically injured when a bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon near Thaiyat village, 10 km from Jaisalmer city.
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The injured passengers were first taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer for first aid and later shifted to Jodhpur for better treatment. Six of the deceased were residents of Jodhpur, while the remaining victims were from Jaisalmer.
According to the investigation, the Jaisalmer bus tragedy occurred around 3 pm. The bus, recently converted into an AC sleeper coach, featured interiors with fibre body panels, curtains, and strong glass windows. These flammable interiors, combined with the glass windows, caused the fire to spread rapidly. The bus was fully occupied, with some passengers even seated in the narrow aisle.
The fire was triggered by a short circuit, and electrical wiring burning caused the only exit door at the front to lock, trapping passengers inside. While some managed to break windows to escape, many were unable to do so. Investigators also found firecrackers in the luggage compartment, which exploded and intensified the blaze.
An Army team from a nearby station quickly arrived and used a JCB machine to break open the door. A local liquor contractor helped by bringing a water tanker from the Army area to douse the flames after breaking the gate. The fire brigade, however, reached the site 45 minutes after being informed.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased passenger. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also expressed condolences. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Jaisalmer, instructed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured, and directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to affected families. Helpline numbers were issued, and relief operations were immediately initiated.
Authorities emphasised the need to review safety standards for converted AC sleeper buses and ensure emergency preparedness on highways to prevent such tragedies in the future.