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Jaisalmer Bus Fire Horror: 21 Lives Lost in Tragic Highway Inferno

A horrific bus fire near the Jaisalmer War Museum has claimed 21 lives, shocking the region with its rapid and devastating spread. The accident occurred when a suspected short circuit in the bus's battery triggered a rapid blaze, complicated by AC gas leakage. Authorities are now conducting DNA testing to identify the unrecognizable victims, with only two bodies currently identified. The tragedy has raised urgent questions about bus safety standards and emergency evacuation protocols.

Key Points: Jaisalmer Bus Fire 21 Dead DNA Testing Ongoing Tragedy

  • Massive fire broke out in AC sleeper bus near Jaisalmer War Museum
  • 21 confirmed deaths, including a 10-year-old child
  • Only two victims identified so far
  • DNA testing initiated to recognize burned bodies
2 min read

Jaisalmer bus fire: Death toll rises to 21; DNA testing underway to identify victims

Devastating bus fire near War Museum claims 21 lives, including child; DNA testing launched to identify victims amid shocking accident

"The fire spread alarmingly fast—within just seven minutes - Eyewitness Report"

Jaipur, Oct 15

The death toll in the massive fire in a sleeper bus near the War Museum on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur route has increased to 21. Among the deceased is a 10-year-old boy who succumbed to his injuries this morning.

The fire broke out in the bus around 3:30 PM on Tuesday, rapidly spreading in the AC sleeper bus within minutes. Nineteen passengers were burned to death on the spot.

One of the seriously injured, 79-year-old Hussain Khan of Jaisalmer, died while being transported to Jodhpur. This morning, 10-year-old Yunus, a resident of Jodhpur who was receiving treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, also passed away, bringing the confirmed death toll to 21.

So far, only two victims have been identified. The bodies were handed over to their families following post-mortem examinations. Due to the severe burns, the remaining 19 bodies are unrecognisable. Authorities have begun collecting DNA samples from family members at hospitals in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to facilitate identification.

Officials expect the identification process to be completed by this evening. Fourteen passengers sustained injuries in the fire, with four currently in critical condition and on ventilators at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur.

The injured have been identified as Mahipal Singh, Omaram, Manoj Bhatia, Iqbala, Firoz, Bhaga Bai, Peer Mohammad, Jirraj, Imimata, Vishasha, Ashish, Rafiq, Laxman and Ubedula.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread alarmingly fast--within just seven minutes of the suspected short circuit in the bus's battery. The resulting leak of AC gas is believed to have accelerated the blaze.

The design of the new sleeper bus, which featured emergency exits only at the rear, limited passengers' ability to escape quickly.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns over bus safety standards and emergency preparedness, particularly in vehicles fitted with high-capacity air conditioning systems and limited exit points.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Just 7 minutes for the entire bus to catch fire? This shows how dangerous these AC buses can be. The government needs to conduct immediate safety audits of all sleeper buses across Rajasthan and other states.
M
Michael C
As someone who frequently travels by sleeper buses between Delhi and Jaipur, this news is terrifying. We trust these transport services with our lives. There should be mandatory fire safety training for drivers and multiple emergency exits in all vehicles.
A
Ananya R
The poor families having to provide DNA samples to identify their loved ones... this is the most painful part. The authorities should provide all possible support and compensation immediately. No family should go through this trauma alone.
S
Sarah B
While this is a terrible tragedy, I appreciate that the authorities are at least being transparent about the death toll and conducting proper identification procedures. Many countries hide such numbers. Hope the injured recover soon 🙏
V
Vikram M
This is why we need stricter regulations for bus manufacturers. How can they design vehicles with only rear emergency exits? This is basic safety that even school children know. The transport ministry must take responsibility and enforce better standards.

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