Preliminary investigations of the fire in the private AC sleeper bus indicate that a possible short circuit or explosion in the AC compressor at the rear ignited the fire, which spread rapidly due to diesel fuel, AC gas, and combustible interior materials made of fiber. Authorities attribute the high casualty toll primarily to a jammed door that prevented escape from the burning vehicle.
Additional Superintendent of Police Kailash Dan stated that the intense heat caused the bus's only door to warp and lock automatically, trapping occupants inside. "The majority of bodies were recovered from the aisle, indicating desperate attempts to exit that were thwarted by the stuck door," he informed PTI. Army personnel responded promptly, forcing the door open and assisting in extinguishing the flames with water from a nearby tanker truck. A few passengers escaped by breaking windows, but the narrow aisle and absence of emergency exits compounded the crisis.
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Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare reported that 19 charred bodies were retrieved from the bus, with one additional victim succumbing during transfer to medical facilities, bringing the death toll to 20. The bus, newly registered and on its fourth operational journey, lacked essential safety features such as emergency hammers, secondary exits, and proper fire suppression systems.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the event as "deeply tragic" and immediately mobilized resources. Upon receiving news in Jaipur, he adjourned a meeting and coordinated with ground officials, directing the creation of a green corridor for rapid evacuation of the injured to advanced burn units in Jodhpur. Arriving in Jaisalmer that night, Sharma inspected the site, commended the Indian Army and local civilians for their rescue efforts, and proceeded to Jodhpur to meet victims' families.
In Jodhpur, the Chief Minister reviewed medical infrastructure, ensuring availability of ventilators, oxygen supplies, ICU beds, and medications. A specialized monitoring team has been assigned for continuous care of the 15 injured, including two children and four women, some with burns covering up to 70 percent of their bodies. Families received accommodations, meals, and comprehensive support at the hospital. Sharma instructed Cabinet Minister Madan Dilawar to remain in Jodhpur for ongoing supervision and engaged local legislators and administrators in relief operations.
All recovered bodies were transported to Jodhpur for DNA sampling and identification at the Forensic Science Laboratory, to be released to families upon confirmation. Police are verifying the total number of passengers through CCTV footage from the departure point and route, with no missing persons reported thus far. Forensic experts continue site examinations, exploring alternative causes such as firecrackers carried onboard.
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar noted that bodies were found piled in layers, underscoring the intensity of the entrapment. District Collector Pratap Singh Nathawat confirmed immediate launch of rescue operations. The tragedy highlights critical deficiencies in vehicle safety standards for private buses, including automatic locking mechanisms and inadequate emergency provisions. Authorities have initiated a thorough probe, with potential implications for regulatory reforms to enhance passenger security on Rajasthan's roadways. As investigations proceed, the state government pledges full support to affected families and commits to preventing similar incidents through strengthened oversight.
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