Tragic Inferno on Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway: AC Sleeper Bus Fire Claims 20+ Lives, Scores Burned
A horrifying tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon when a private AC sleeper bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur burst into flames on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway, leaving at least 20 people dead and many others critically injured in one of Rajasthan’s most gut-wrenching road disasters in recent times.
According to official sources and eyewitnesses, the blaze erupted suddenly near Thaiyat village, around 10–20 km from Jaisalmer, shortly after the bus departed at around 3 pm local time.
Smoke was first noticed emanating from the rear of the vehicle — believed to be the result of a short circuit in the air-conditioning system, possibly aggravated by recent modifications and gas leakage.
The fire spread with terrifying speed, giving terrified passengers almost no time to react.
Some jumped from the moving vehicle; others attempted to break windows to escape, while many remained trapped.
In some cases, flames reaching the front blocked key exits, leaving people with no way out.
One heroic act amid the horror was by the bus conductor, Rafiq Khan, who, despite being injured, is reported to have crawled down the aisle, opened the main door, and helped several passengers escape.
His swift presence of mind likely saved lives, even as the blaze overpowered the vehicle.
Local villagers and passersby rushed to the site and helped in rescue efforts before formal emergency services arrived.
Three ambulances transported the injured to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer, from where most were later referred to major hospitals in Jodhpur, given the severity of their burn injuries.
Many of the injured suffered burns over as much as 70% of their bodies.
The task of identifying the charred remains has proved extremely challenging. Because many bodies were badly burned beyond recognition, authorities are now turning to DNA testing to confirm identities.
The Jaisalmer District Collector, Pratap Singh, has issued a plea to family members of missing passengers to come forward and assist with identification.
In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the site, offering condolences and assuring that the injured would receive the best possible medical care and relief assistance.
Following the incident, authorities have already suspended two officials from Rajasthan’s transport department — Acting DTO Surendra Singh and Assistant Administrative Officer Chunni Lal — for approving modifications on the bus which may have compromised safety.
An FIR has also been registered late Tuesday night at Jaisalmer Sadar Police Station, naming the bus owner and driver for alleged negligence.
The death toll continues to rise. As of now, 21 lives have been confirmed lost, including a 10-year-old child who succumbed to injuries in Jodhpur.
Meanwhile, about 1 person remains hospitalized in critical condition.
This catastrophe has prompted serious scrutiny over the safety practices of private bus operators — particularly regarding post-purchase modifications, emergency exits, and flame-retardant materials — and calls for stricter enforcement of transport safety regulations across the state.
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