Two killed as sleeper bus catches fire after hitting high-tension power line in Rajasthan

JAIPUR

In yet another bus fire incident, two persons died and 10 others were injured when the private sleeper coach they were travelling in caught fire after hitting a high-tension power line near Manoharpur on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway on Tuesday. The bus was carrying over 50 labourers from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit to a brick kiln.

Some household items, gas cylinders and two-wheelers kept on the roof of the bus touched an 11 kV electricity line when the vehicle was crossing an internal road near a village in Manoharpur, about 55 kilometres from Jaipur. As the overcrowded bus caught fire after coming in contact with the power line, the passengers jumped off the vehicle through the windows.

While most of the injured sustained burns, some others suffered injuries due to electric current. Six critically injured victims were referred to Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Government Hospital, while others were receiving treatment at the sub-district hospital in Shahpura.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, who holds the transport portfolio, said an investigation would be initiated into the mishap. A forensic team also reached the accident site to collect evidence.

A similar fire in an air-conditioned sleeper bus near Jaisalmer on October 14 left over 25 passengers dead and several others injured. The fire was caused by short circuit in the bus, which was modified for fixing the sleeper berths and there was no emergency exit gate.

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma have condoled the loss of lives. Mr. Sharma directed the officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.