19 killed as bus catches fire on Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway

The bus, carrying 57 passengers, had left Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. When it reached the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway, smoke began emerging from the rear portion of the vehicle.

The driver immediately pulled over, but within moments, flames engulfed the entire bus, trapping several passengers inside.

Locals and passersby rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts even before emergency services arrived.

Fire engines and police teams reached the site shortly after, while the injured were taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer for treatment.

Police said a short circuit is suspected to have caused the blaze, though a detailed investigation is underway.

The Jaisalmer district administration said relief and rescue operations began promptly after receiving information about the fire.

District Collector Pratap Singh directed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured, while helpline numbers were issued for families of the victims.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, and BJP state president Madan Rathore expressed grief over the tragedy.

“The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected by this tragic accident. Directions have been given to ensure proper treatment of the injured and extend every possible help to the victims,” Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma posted on X.

Officials said the identification of victims is underway, and forensic teams have been deployed at the site to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.