Jaisalmer Bus Fire Tragedy: 20 Dead Amid Grieving Families' Hospital Anguish

The Union Minister also said that several other passengers sustained injuries in the tragic incident, with 16 people admitted to a hospital in Jodhpur.

While speaking to mediapersons, Shekhawat said, "Yesterday, a very unfortunate incident occurred between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, where a bus caught fire, resulting in the death of approximately 20 people. Many people were injured; 16 people have been admitted to a hospital in Jodhpur. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Shekhawat informed that PM Modi announced immediate assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased families, and the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also visited the injured in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur to ensure that they received "full medical assistance".

"The Prime Minister announced immediate assistance last night from the PMNRF of 2 lakh rupees for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured. The Chief Minister personally visited the injured in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur and ensured that they received full medical assistance. When this incident came to my attention yesterday, I spoke with the authorities," Shekhawat added.

A day after 20 passengers were killed after a bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire, authorities in the District Administration of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer have issued their respective helpline numbers for the public.

The incident took place near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer.

District administration said in a message to family members of victims that, "All respected citizens are requested to assist in identifying and assisting the family members of those who are missing or untraceable in the fire accident involving a bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur on Tuesday, October 14th. As directed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the District Administrations of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are working diligently and actively."

Meanwhile, the families who lost their loved ones in the Jaisalmer bus fire are heartbroken and angry. As families wait in anguish to identify their loved ones, anger is rising over delays in DNA testing and the absence of medical staff.

Nitesh Chauhan, who lost his elder brother, said they have been waiting since early morning, with no answers and no support.

Speaking to the reporters, Nitesh Chauhan said, "Why isn't the CM listening to us? The doctors have not reached the hospital yet... We have suffered losses, and everyone will raise this issue for a few days, and then the issue will die down... Why will the doctors come at 11 am?... Family members are grieving, and no one knows what we are going through... You are asking me all sorts of questions; you should also go inside and ask why the doctors aren't here yet. Why will the DNA test be conducted at 11 am?... The whole system wakes up for criminals even at midnight, but there's no one here at the hospital for the common man. I have lost my brother. You are not seeing what we all are going through."

A relative of one of the deceased said the victim was returning home for Diwali. He said that the family has been waiting at the hospital since 6 am, but the DNA test has yet to be conducted.

Atleast 20 people were killed and several others were injured after a private bus enroute to Jodhpur caught fire near the Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer on Tuesday.

- ANI