Tragic Bus Fire in Jaisalmer Claims 20 Lives, Dozens Injured

In a devastating incident on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, a private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near the War Museum, approximately 20 kilometers from the desert city, killing 20 passengers and leaving 16 others critically injured. Many of the injured include women and children, several of whom are in serious condition.

---

Incident Details

Officials reported that the bus had departed Jaisalmer as per its daily schedule when flames suddenly erupted from the rear section of the vehicle. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, though a short circuit inside the bus is suspected.

BJP MLA from Pokran, Pratap Puri, confirmed the fatalities, noting that 19 passengers died on the bus, while one succumbed to injuries en route to Jodhpur.

Due to the proximity of the incident to an Army area, military personnel were among the first responders. They provided initial medical aid at the Army hospital before transferring the seriously injured to Jaisalmer hospitals, and subsequently to Jodhpur for advanced treatment.

---

Official Response

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reached Jaisalmer following the incident and was briefed by district officials. Expressing his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:

"The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. Directions have been given for proper treatment of the injured and to extend every possible help to the victims."

Municipal Council Assistant Fire Officer Krishnapal Singh Rathore said the bus was completely engulfed when the fire brigade arrived, complicating rescue efforts.

District Collector Pratap Singh added that the bodies remain inside the bus due to intense heat, and a forensic team from Jodhpur has been called in to assist in the investigation.

---

Political Reactions and Support Measures

Opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, and Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra, expressed grief and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

The district administration has set up a control room and issued helpline numbers to help families obtain accurate information about their loved ones.

---

Investigation

A technical team has begun a detailed probe into the cause of the fire, and authorities are examining whether vehicle maintenance or electrical faults contributed to the tragedy.

This comes barely a week after the fatal fire at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital, which claimed eight lives, highlighting growing concerns over fire safety protocols in public and private transport across Rajasthan.