Deadly Bus Fire Claims 20 Lives on Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway

Tragedy Strikes Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway

A horrific incident unfolded on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, when a moving AC sleeper bus traveling on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway in Rajasthan, India, burst into flames. The devastating fire, which occurred near Thaiyat village, claimed the lives of at least 20 passengers and left 16 others critically injured. The private bus was carrying a total of 57 passengers when the fire erupted around 3:30 p.m., shortly after departing from Jaisalmer.

Rapid Inferno and Desperate Escapes

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and horror as smoke began to billow from the rear of the bus, quickly escalating into a raging inferno. The driver managed to stop the vehicle along the roadside, but the flames spread with alarming speed, engulfing the entire bus within moments. Many passengers were forced to leap from the moving bus in a desperate attempt to escape the blaze. Reports indicate that the bus's fiber body and curtains contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, and some passengers were trapped as the door reportedly locked automatically and windows were fully glass.

Rescue Efforts and Medical Response

Upon receiving news of the tragedy, local villagers, passersby, police, firefighters, and army personnel swiftly initiated rescue operations. The injured, many suffering from severe burns covering up to 70 percent of their bodies, including two children and four women, were initially rushed to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer. Subsequently, a green corridor was established on National Highway 125 to facilitate their urgent transfer to Jodhpur for advanced medical treatment at facilities such as Mathura Das Mathur (MDM) Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, and a military hospital.

Investigation Underway and Official Condolences

Preliminary assessments suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. Some reports also indicate the alleged illegal transport of firecrackers inside the air-conditioned bus, which could have ignited due to the electrical fault, intensifying the blaze. An official inquiry is currently underway to determine the exact cause and responsibility for the tragic incident. Jaisalmer Collector Pratap Singh confirmed the intensity of the fire, stating that the bus was completely reduced to ashes and many victims were burned beyond recognition, necessitating DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur for identification. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also conveyed his condolences, visited the accident site, and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide all possible assistance to the affected families.