20 passengers burnt alive, 16 injured as bus catches fire in Jaisalmer; PM announces ex-gratia

A private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday. Twenty passengers were burnt alive, and 16 were critically injured, police said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of deceased.

In a post on X, the prime minister said, "Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."

"An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," he said.

According to the police, the bus was carrying 57 passengers and left Jaisalmer around 3 pm. Smoke began emerging from the rear portion of the vehicle, while it travelled on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. As the driver stopped the bus along the roadside, within moments, the flames engulfed the vehicle.

Locals and people passing by rushed to the spot and assisted in the rescue efforts. Army personnel also assisted in the operation.

Fire tenders and police were informed. The injured passengers were taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer for treatment.

Police informed 16 critically injured passengers have been referred to a hospital in Jodhpur.

Prima facie, it appears that the fire broke out due to a short circuit, officials said.

BJP MLA from the Pokran constituency Mahant Pratap Puri informed PTI about the death toll of 20 passengers. He said, "19 passengers died in the bus and one succumbed to burn injuries on the way to Jodhpur."

He said that the bus caught fire ten minutes after leaving Jaisalmer.

Upon receiving information regarding the incident, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reached Jaisalmer and was briefed by the officers.

The Jaisalmer district administration said it promptly began relief and rescue operations after receiving information about the incident.

People try to douse the fames after a bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire, near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.

District Collector Pratap Singh directed officials to ensure immediate medical care for the injured. Helpline numbers were also issued.

Meanwhile, Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP state president Madan Rathore and other leaders expressed sorrow over the tragic incident.

The chief minister said instructions have been issued to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and all possible assistance to the affected.

"The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected by this tragic accident. Directions have been given to concerned officials for the proper treatment of the injured and to extend every possible help to the victims," Sharma posted on X.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief and said that the death of 20 people was "unfortunate".

With agency inputs