SRINAGAR: At least 20 people were killed and several others grievously injured when a passenger bus caught fire in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, according to NDTV.
The incident occurred near an army station on Tuesday, when the bus, carrying 57 passengers, suddenly went up in flames, turning into a moving inferno within moments. Rescue teams comprising police, fire brigade personnel and army troops rushed to the spot to douse the blaze and evacuate the victims.
According to preliminary reports, between 10 and 12 deaths were immediately confirmed, but the toll is expected to rise. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, with at least 16 critically wounded passengers referred to Jodhpur for advanced treatment.
Officials said the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though an electrical short circuit is suspected. District Collector Pratap Singh is overseeing rescue and relief operations at the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased passenger. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also conveyed grief over the loss of lives.
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…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 14, 2025
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep shock over the tragedy and directed officials to ensure all possible assistance to the injured. He left for Jaisalmer to review the situation firsthand.
