Tragedy in Rajasthan: At Least 20 Killed as Bus Bursts into Flames
The passenger bus, with over 50 people on board, was traveling between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur when it was suddenly engulfed by fire.
A devastating fire on a passenger bus in the Indian state of Rajasthan has claimed the lives of at least 20 people on Tuesday. The tragic incident happened while the bus, carrying more than 50 passengers, was on its way from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
According to reports, the driver noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road. Within moments, however, the entire bus was engulfed in flames. Senior police officer Rajesh Meena confirmed that 19 people died at the scene, while another passenger passed away from their injuries while being transported to a hospital in Jodhpur.
The fire broke out shortly after the bus left Jaisalmer around 3:00 PM local time. While the exact cause is still under investigation, early reports from local media suggest that an electrical short circuit may be to blame. Emergency services, including firefighters and police, were quickly on the scene.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident. In a statement, he said he was “distressed by the loss of lives” and offered prayers for the quick recovery of those injured.
The Prime Minister’s office also announced that compensation of ₹200,000 (approximately $2,250) would be given to the families of each of the deceased, and ₹50,000 would be provided to the injured.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in India. According to the most recent data from 2023, India recorded over 480,000 road accidents, which resulted in nearly 173,000 deaths.
