Jaipur/Jodhpur, October 15 (ANI): At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a private bus en route to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer on Tuesday afternoon. According to police officials, the moving bus, which had departed from Jaisalmer around 3 p.m., suddenly caught fire after smoke emerged from its rear section. The vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames, leaving multiple casualties.
Jaisalmer Additional SP Kailash Dhan said, “The moving bus burst into flames. Casualties have been reported. The injured have been rushed to the hospital. Rescue operation is continuing.” Local villagers and passersby rushed to the spot and helped rescue passengers until fire and police teams arrived.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the accident site and expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives. In an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Sharma said, “The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to the people affected by this tragic accident. Instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured and to provide all possible assistance to those affected.”
He further added, “May Lord Shri Ram grant a place at His divine feet to the departed souls. The state government stands with the affected families and is committed to providing them with every possible support.” The Chief Minister also visited Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur to meet the injured.
Sharing an update on X, Sharma wrote, “Reached Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur and met with the people injured in the Jaisalmer bus accident and their families. After inquiring about their treatment status from the doctors, I instructed them to ensure all possible medical assistance and the best possible treatment. I pray to God for a speedy recovery for all the injured.”
According to Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan, “Sixteen injured have been brought here from Jaisalmer. Fifteen are receiving treatment at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, and one injured is receiving treatment at Shri Ram Hospital.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance to the victims’ families. In an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he 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.”
The PMO added that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of the deceased, while ₹50,000 would be provided to each of the injured.
Sheo Constituency MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati also expressed grief over the incident, saying, “This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. A wave of grief is sweeping the state. We need to give courage to the families of those who are injured. Furthermore, I request that the family members of those who have not been identified contact the district administration’s helpline number and provide a DNA sample. This is not the time for criticism, but for giving courage to the affected families. It is the responsibility of all of us to support them.”
Rescue and identification efforts are ongoing, and authorities have assured full support to the victims and their families. (ANI)
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