Bus Fire in Rajasthan Kills 20 People

Darwin, 15 October-

At least 20 people were killed after a passenger bus caught fire in the Indian state of Rajasthan on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred on the road between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, according to a report by AFP.

Preliminary investigations by local authorities suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. The bus, carrying around 35 to 50 passengers, was completely engulfed in flames within minutes.

Local legislator Mahant Pratap Puri said that smoke was first seen coming from the rear of the bus shortly after departure. “The driver stopped immediately, but the fire spread so fast that passengers had no chance to escape,” he told reporters.

Police and rescue workers recovered 19 bodies from the scene, while one more victim died on the way to hospital. At least 15 others were seriously injured and are currently being treated at local hospitals.

According to Puri, the bus was brand new and its air-conditioning system was fully charged with gas. “There was only one entry and exit door. Tragically, those seated at the back couldn’t get out in time,” he said.

The fire broke out just five minutes after the bus left Jaisalmer city. Because the site was near a military base, army personnel joined in the rescue efforts. Authorities are preparing to conduct DNA tests to identify the victims and have urged relatives to come forward.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed their deep condolences to the families of the deceased.