Jaisalmer Bus Was Used As AC Sleeper, Short Circuit Caused Fire That Killed 20: Details Emerge

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 08:31 IST

The Jaisalmer bus was a converted into an AC sleeper coach with glass windows, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Passengers struggled to escape as the only exit was locked.

Visuals from the incident spot after a bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire (PTI)

At least 20 people were burnt alive and 16 others critically injured when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon.

The bus, operated by KK Travels, had been introduced on the route just five days ago, and more details have now emerged, suggesting that the AC bus was converted into a sleeper coach, and that passengers struggled to escape the inferno.

The tragedy occurred at nearly 3 pm on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway when smoke began emanating from the rear of the vehicle.

Despite the driver stopping the bus, it was engulfed in flames within moments.

JAISALMER BUS FIRE KILLS 20: NEW DETAILS EMERGE

According to the details, the bus was converted into an AC sleeper coach, with interiors featuring fibre body panels and curtains.

The windows were made of strong glass, which, combined with the flammable interiors, caused the fire to spread rapidly.

The bus was fully occupied, with some passengers even seated in the narrow aisle.

As the fire broke out, the burning of electrical wiring caused the only exit door at the front to get locked, trapping passengers inside. While some managed to break windows to escape, many were unable to do so.

An Army team from a nearby Army station quickly arrived at the scene and used a JCB machine to break open the door.

A liquor contractor, who runs a shop near the incident spot, also helped by bringing a water tanker from the Army area to douse the flames after breaking the gate.

It was also known that the fire brigade reached the site 45 minutes after being informed.

CONDOLENCES, EX-GRATIA, AND GOVERNMENT ACTION

The injured were first taken to Jawahar Hospital, with 16 critically injured passengers later referred to a hospital in Jodhpur.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief 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 expressed condolences for the loss of lives.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Jaisalmer, instructed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured, and directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to affected families.

Helpline numbers were issued, and relief operations were immediately initiated.

Authorities also highlighted the need to review safety standards for converted AC sleeper buses and ensure emergency preparedness on highways.

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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