NewKerala.com

Jaisalmer Bus Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 26 Amid Safety Failures

The death toll from the Jaisalmer bus fire has now reached 26 after another injured passenger succumbed to his injuries. Om Prakash, a 40-year-old resident of Lathi village, passed away while on ventilator support at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. Investigators found the bus had been illegally modified with air-conditioning and faulty wiring that triggered the blaze. The tragedy was compounded by safety failures including an obstructed emergency exit that prevented passengers from escaping.

Key Points: Jaisalmer Bus Fire Death Toll Rises to 26 After Injury

  • One more injured victim succumbs, raising the death toll to 26 passengers
  • Six people remain hospitalized with one still on ventilator support
  • Bus owner and driver arrested after SIT investigation into safety violations
  • Investigation reveals illegal AC modifications and faulty wiring caused deadly fire
  • Emergency exit was obstructed and undersized, hampering evacuation efforts
  • Woman who lost three children day before tragedy among the deceased victims
2 min read

Jaisalmer bus fire: Another injured succumbs; death toll rises to 26

Death toll in Jaisalmer bus fire climbs to 26 as another injured victim succumbs. Investigation reveals illegal modifications and safety standard violations caused the tragedy.

"Om Prakash was on a ventilator and passed away today during treatment - Dr. Fateh Singh Bhati"

Jaipur, Oct 21

The death toll in the tragic Jaisalmer bus fire accident has climbed to 26 after one more injured person succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

According to Dr Fateh Singh Bhati, Superintendent of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, the deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40), a resident of Lathi village in Jaisalmer district. “Om Prakash was on a ventilator and passed away today during treatment,” Dr. Bhati said on Tuesday. He added that six people are still undergoing treatment, including one on a ventilator and five in the general ward.

Among the deceased was a woman named Imamat, who had lost her three children just a day prior to the tragedy. Her husband, critically injured, has been shifted to Ahmedabad for further treatment.

Earlier, 20 passengers died on the spot, with six more succumbing to injuries in the following days. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire.

Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on the day of the incident. Based on a complaint filed by Chandan Singh, brother of deceased journalist Rajendra Singh Chauhan, the bus owner, Turab Ali, and the driver, Shaukat, have been arrested.

Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed that the bus body was constructed at Jainam Coach Crafts Workshop in Mogra, owned by the same company. The workshop allegedly ignored mandatory AIS 119 safety standards, completing the chassis, wiring, and other bodywork without proper approvals.

Further scrutiny showed that the bus was originally registered as a non-AC vehicle and was illegally modified to include air-conditioning and additional seating. Faulty wiring is believed to have triggered the fire. Investigators also found that the emergency exit was undersized and obstructed by two seats, further hampering evacuation efforts.

Authorities continue to monitor the condition of the injured as the probe progresses.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
When will we learn? Illegal modifications, ignoring safety standards, obstructed emergency exits - this was a disaster waiting to happen. The authorities need to conduct surprise checks on all private buses immediately.
D
David E
As someone who frequently travels by bus in Rajasthan, this is terrifying. The government must ensure strict enforcement of safety regulations. Prayers for the injured to recover soon.
A
Ananya R
Om Prakash ji was only 40 years old. So many lives cut short due to someone's negligence. The bus owner and workshop should face the strictest punishment possible. This cannot become another forgotten tragedy.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the quick formation of SIT, I respectfully question why such illegal workshops operate freely until tragedy strikes. Our regulatory systems need proactive monitoring, not just reactive investigations.
V
Vikram M
The fact that emergency exits were obstructed by seats is criminal negligence. How many more such death traps are on our roads? Hope this case sets a strong precedent for vehicle safety standards across India.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50