Rajasthan: 20 people killed as bus bursts into flames in Jaisalmer; PM Modi announces ex-gratia

20 people have died after a fire engulfed a bus travelling from Rajasthan's Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.

The bus, carrying 57 passengers, left Jaisalmer at around 3 pm. On the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke began emerging from its rear portion. The driver stopped the bus along the roadside, but within moments, the flames engulfed the vehicle, PTI reported.

Locals and passers-by rushed to the spot to assist in rescue efforts. Fire tenders and police were informed, and injured passengers were taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer for treatment.

16 critically injured passengers have been referred to a hospital in Jodhpur.

Prima facie, it appears that the fire broke out due to a short circuit, police told the publication.

The Jaisalmer district administration said it promptly began relief and rescue operations after receiving information about the incident.

District Collector Pratap Singh directed officials to ensure immediate medical care for the injured. Helpline numbers were also issued.

The district administration has also issued an appeal for information regarding the kin of the victims to ascertain their identity. The bodies will be handed over to family members after DNA matching, officials said, as per PTI.

Upon receiving information regarding the incident, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reached Jaisalmer and was briefed by the officers.

The CM later condoled the loss of lives on social media, saying, "The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to those affected by this tragic accident. Directions have been given to concerned officials for the proper treatment of the injured and to extend every possible help to the victims."

"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," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office also expressed sorrow, with the PMO declaring that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh will be given from the PMNRF to the next of kin of the deceased while the injured would be given ₹50,000 each.

Former CM Ashok Gehlot has also condoled the loss of lives in the incident in a social media post.

In his post in Hindi, Gehlot said, "The loss of 20 lives in a fire on a bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is heartbreaking. The news of this tragedy is deeply disturbing."

"I pray to God to give place to the departed souls at His feet and for speedy recovery of the injured," he also said.

Governor Haribhau Bagade, BJP state president Madan Rathore and other leaders expressed sorrow over the tragic incident.