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Jaisalmer Bus Fire Tragedy: Two Officials Suspended Amid Shocking Revelations

A devastating bus fire in Jaisalmer has claimed 21 lives, leading to significant administrative actions by Rajasthan authorities. The state Transport Department has suspended two key officials following preliminary investigations revealing serious violations of bus safety codes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the incident and announced relief funds for the victims' families. Ongoing investigations and DNA testing are underway to fully understand the circumstances of this tragic accident.

Key Points: Jaisalmer Bus Fire Tragedy Officials Suspended 21 Dead

  • Two transport officials suspended for approving ill-fated bus
  • First FIR registered against bus owner and driver
  • Death toll rises to 21 after child's demise
  • PM Relief Fund announces compensation for victims
2 min read

Jaisalmer bus fire: Two officials suspended, first FIR registered

Rajasthan suspends transport officials after deadly Jaisalmer bus fire, first FIR registered and investigation underway

"Some people were reduced to ashes - Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, Rajasthan Minister"

Jaipur, Oct 15

Taking disciplinary action following the Jaisalmer sleeper bus fire tragedy, which claimed 21 lives in Jaisalmer, the Rajasthan Transport Department suspended two officials from Chittorgarh - acting District Transport Officer (DTO) Surendra Singh and Assistant Administrative Officer Chunni Lal - for approving the body of the ill-fated bus that caught fire.

The government's move came after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who directed the Transport Department to launch a statewide inspection campaign.

Preliminary investigations have revealed violations of the Bus Body Code, prompting further scrutiny of private buses across Rajasthan.

Also, the first FIR in the case was lodged late Tuesday night at Jaisalmer Sadar Police Station by the brother of journalist Rajendra Chauhan, one of the victims.

The complaint names the bus owner and driver for alleged negligence leading to the fire.

The death toll has now risen to 21, after 10-year-old Yunus succumbed to burn injuries at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jodhpur, on Wednesday morning.

Four other patients remain on ventilators. Authorities are conducting DNA testing at hospitals in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to identify charred remains. Families have expressed frustration over the slow verification process, but hospital officials assured that the procedure would be completed within 24 hours to avoid any errors.

The Prime Minister's Relief Fund has approved Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

"My heart is saddened by the loss of life and property due to the accident in Jaisalmer," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

Rajasthan Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar said the fire likely resulted from an AC compressor blast that ignited diesel and gas, trapping passengers inside the single-door bus.

"Some people were reduced to ashes," he said.

Chief Minister Sharma later visited the Army Cantonment in Jaisalmer, where the burnt bus has been kept, to inspect the wreckage and assess the tragedy firsthand.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why do we always wait for tragedies to happen before taking action? The bus body code violations were known to officials but they still approved it. This is criminal negligence. Hope the FIR leads to proper justice for the victims' families.
M
Michael C
Single-door buses should be banned immediately. In emergency situations like fire, multiple exits can save lives. The government must mandate safety standards for all public transport vehicles. This tragedy was completely preventable.
A
Anjali F
The poor 10-year-old Yunus succumbing to injuries is just devastating. No amount of ex-gratia can bring back these lives. We need systemic changes in transport regulation, not just temporary inspections after tragedies.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the government's quick response with suspensions and compensation, I respectfully suggest that the DNA testing process should be more efficient. Families are already traumatized - making them wait adds to their pain.
V
Vikram M
This incident shows how corruption at lower levels costs lives. Officials approving unsafe vehicles for some extra money should be treated as murderers. Hope the CM's inspection campaign brings real change 🙏

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