At least 19 people were killed and 15 others injured after a private passenger bus caught fire on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway in Rajasthan on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The bus, carrying 57 passengers, had left Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. when smoke began emerging from the rear section of the vehicle, according to police.
The driver immediately pulled over, but within moments, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, leaving passengers trapped inside.
🔥 Tragedy Strikes Minutes After Smoke Detected
Eyewitnesses said locals and passing motorists rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts before fire engines and police teams arrived.
Preliminary investigation suggests the fire broke out due to a short circuit, though officials said forensic experts are still examining the cause.
“The incident appears to have been caused by an electrical short circuit,” a senior police officer said.
“The bus was completely gutted before rescue services could control the blaze.”
Ironically, officials confirmed that the bus had been purchased just five days earlier by the private operator.
🚑 15 Severely Injured, Children Among Victims
Among the 15 injured are four women and two children, several of whom sustained up to 70% burns, the Jaisalmer administration said.
They were first taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer and later shifted to AIIMS Jodhpur through a green corridor created on National Highway 125.
“We immediately mobilized eight ambulances and escorted them under police supervision,”
said District Collector Pratap Singh, who led the rescue and coordination efforts.
⚖️ DNA Tests to Identify Victims
The fire was so intense that many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur have been deployed to help identify the bodies.
“Identification will be done through DNA testing, similar to the Ahmedabad plane crash protocol.
Only after verification will the bodies be handed over to their families,”
the Collector said.
Helpline numbers were issued by the district administration for relatives seeking information.
🏛️ Chief Minister and PM Express Condolences
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached Jaisalmer late Tuesday night and inspected the wreckage of the bus. He met officials and directed the district administration to ensure prompt relief, medical assistance, and counselling for survivors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter) via the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) account.
“Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the PM said.
He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
📍 Timeline of the Incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:00 p.m. | Bus leaves Jaisalmer with 57 passengers. |
| 3:45 p.m. (approx.) | Smoke detected near rear section on highway. |
| 3:50 p.m. | Driver halts bus; fire spreads rapidly. |
| 4:00 p.m. | Locals begin rescue; police and fire teams alerted. |
| 4:30 p.m. | Fire contained; 19 confirmed dead. |
| 6:00 p.m. | Injured shifted to Jodhpur via green corridor. |
| 9:00 p.m. | CM Bhajan Lal Sharma reaches accident site. |
🚨 Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway (NH-125) |
| Date | October 15, 2025 |
| Casualties | 19 dead, 15 injured |
| Bus Capacity | 57 passengers |
| Suspected Cause | Short circuit |
| Rescue Agencies | Jaisalmer Police, Fire Department, Forensic Team |
| Relief Announced | ₹2 lakh (deceased), ₹50,000 (injured) |
