At least 20 people were charred and 16 others fatally injured when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon. The incident took place around 3 pm on Jaisalmer- Jodhpur highway.
As per the accounts of the eyewitness, the smoke began to rise from the rear of the vehicle and the driver stopped the bus immediately, however, the flames enveloped it within moments. “The entire bus caught fire in less than five minutes. People were screaming for help,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the incident.
Eyewitnesses said smoke began to rise from the rear of the vehicle. Though the driver stopped the bus immediately, it was engulfed in flames within moments. “The entire bus caught fire in less than five minutes. People were screaming for help,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the incident.
Meanwhile, an army team from a nearby station reached the spot quickly and used a JCB machine to break the gate of the bus. People from nearby shops rushed with water tankers to douse the flames. However, by the time the fire brigade arrived, the bus was completely charred.
Fiber Panels and Curtains Fueled the Fire
The interior of the bus, made of fiber panels and curtains, enhanced the fire. The strong glass windows and narrow aisle trapped the passengers. And when the electrical wiring caught fire, the only exit door got locked. The injured were reportedly taken to Jawahar Hospital and at least 16 people in critical condition were later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur.
Ex Gratia of ₹2 lakh Announce
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Jaisalmer bus accident. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” and announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh.
