Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, In a tragic incident that has shocked Rajasthan, a devastating bus fire in Rajasthan claimed 20 lives near Thaiyat village on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway on October 14, 2025. The private sleeper bus, carrying about 57 passengers, including women and children, burst into flames in the afternoon, leaving 16 others severely injured. The bus, only five days old, caught fire due to a suspected short circuit, trapping many inside. This bus fire in Rajasthan has left families heartbroken and raised serious questions about road safety.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly, but the intensity of the bus fire in Rajasthan made saving everyone impossible. Some bodies were so badly burnt that DNA tests are needed to identify them. This tragedy has sparked nationwide grief, with leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu offering condolences. Let’s dive into the details of this bus fire in Rajasthan, the latest updates, eyewitness accounts, and what’s being done to prevent such tragedies.
The Incident: How the Bus Fire in Rajasthan Unfolded
The ill-fated bus left Jaisalmer around 3 PM on Tuesday, heading to Jodhpur. It was a sleeper bus, popular for long-distance travel in Rajasthan. Near Thaiyat village, about 40 km from Jaisalmer, smoke billowed from the front, and flames soon engulfed the vehicle. Police suspect a short circuit in the air conditioner sparked the bus fire in Rajasthan, spreading rapidly from the engine.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror. Jitendra Swami, a local, told reporters, “I saw women with burning clothes, crying in pain. People tried jumping out of windows, but the fire was too fast.” Another witness said passengers were trapped as the bus fire in Rajasthan grew out of control, with the vehicle still moving initially.
Shockingly, the bus was brand new, purchased just five days earlier. This makes the bus fire in Rajasthan even more tragic, as no one expected such a disaster. Local villagers and nearby army personnel rushed to help, pulling survivors from the wreckage. Firefighters arrived, but the bus was already charred.
By evening, the death toll reached 20, including women, children, and elderly like 79-year-old Hussain Khan, who succumbed to burns. The 16 injured, including three children and four women, were rushed to hospitals in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, some in critical condition.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the site, speaking with officials and consoling families. He said, “This bus fire in Rajasthan is a terrible loss. We’re doing everything to support the affected.” He also ensured free treatment for the injured.
Latest Updates: What We Know Now
As of October 15, 2025, investigations into the bus fire in Rajasthan are ongoing. Police are examining the vehicle’s wiring and safety records, with initial reports pointing to an AC malfunction. The bus owner is under scrutiny, and authorities are checking if safety protocols were followed.
Helplines (e.g., 02992-252541 for Jaisalmer) are active for families seeking information. DNA testing continues to identify victims, and some families, like one that lost six members, are in deep grief.
The highway is now open after a temporary closure. Traffic police are urging operators to inspect buses, especially in Rajasthan’s harsh climate, to prevent another bus fire in Rajasthan.
Leaders’ Response: Condolences and Aid
The bus fire in Rajasthan has drawn heartfelt responses from leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “The bus fire in Rajasthan has left me deeply saddened. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. I pray for the injured.” He announced Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for each deceased’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu said, “The bus fire in Rajasthan is truly heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish strength to those recovering.”
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan offered prayers, and Chief Minister Sharma pledged Rs 5 lakh per deceased family from the state, plus free medical care.
A grieving brother of a victim shared, “My sister was excited for Diwali at home. This bus fire in Rajasthan took her away forever. Money can’t replace her.”
Why Do These Accidents Happen? Looking at Road Safety in India
This is not the first time something like this has happened. India has some of the most dangerous roads in the world. Every year, more than 1.7 lakh people die in road accidents – that’s like 474 deaths every day, or one every three minutes.
Buses are part of many of these sad stories. In 2017, buses caused about 9,000 accidents. In 2016, they were in 7.8% of all road crashes, killing 6.6% of the people who died on roads.
In Rajasthan, hot weather and old buses make fires more likely. Bad wiring, no fire extinguishers, or overloading can turn a small problem into a big tragedy. Experts say buses should have better safety checks, like fire alarms and easy exits.
Think about similar accidents. In 2018, a bus in Maharashtra caught fire and killed 30 people. In 2023, Uttar Pradesh saw more bus crashes because of reckless driving. In Delhi, city buses had over 2,000 accidents since 2020, many fatal.
The government has rules, like the Motor Vehicles Act, but many say they are not followed well. In 2022, India had over 4.6 lakh accidents, with 1.55 lakh deaths.
We need better training for drivers, regular bus checks, and awareness for passengers on what to do in emergencies. Maybe this accident will push for changes.
The Impact: Families Broken, Communities in Shock
For the families, this is a lifelong pain. Many passengers were going home for festivals or work. Now, villages in Rajasthan are mourning. One family lost five members – how do they cope?
Hospitals are full with the hurt. Doctors say some have 80% burns and may not make it. The army helped a lot, showing how communities come together in bad times.
This also hits tourism in Jaisalmer, a place known for deserts and forts. People might think twice about bus travel now.
What Can We Do to Stop This?
Experts say simple things can help: Fit buses with fire-proof materials, train drivers on safety, and have strict checks. Passengers should know emergency exits and not panic.
The government is talking about new rules for bus safety. Let’s hope this leads to real change, so no more families suffer like this.
FAQs: Common Questions About the Rajasthan Bus Fire
Here are some questions people are asking, with clear answers based on what we know.
1. What caused the bus fire in Rajasthan?
The police think it was a short circuit in the air conditioner that started the fire from the front engine. The bus was moving when it happened, and flames spread fast. A full probe is on to confirm.
2. How many people died and got hurt?
20 people died, including women and children. 16 others are hurt and in hospital, some very badly.
3. What help is the government giving?
PM Modi gave Rs 2 lakh to each dead person’s family and Rs 50,000 to the hurt from PMNRF. CM Sharma added Rs 5 lakh per family from the state and free treatment.
4. Were there any eyewitness stories?
Yes, people who saw it said it was horrible. Passengers jumped out, but many were trapped. Women had bad burns and were in shock.
5. How can I contact for more info if my family was on the bus?
Call the helpline: 02992-252541 or other district numbers. Hospitals in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur can help too.
6. Is this common in India?
Sadly, yes. India has many road accidents each year. Buses are in about 8% of them. We need better safety rules.
7. What steps are being taken now?
Police are checking the bus. Government is helping families. There might be new safety checks for buses soon.
This accident reminds us life is precious. Let’s pray for the families and hope for safer roads