Tragedy and Heroism on a Fiery Trail: Inside the Jaisalmer Bus Disaster

A devastating fire broke out in an AC sleeper bus near Jaisalmer resulting in twenty deaths and numerous injuries. Jammed doors prevented escape, trapping passengers inside. The quick response from Army personnel and local authorities helped manage the situation, but the incident remains a heartrending catastrophe.

A devastating bus fire near Jaisalmer has tragically claimed twenty lives and left fifteen passengers critically injured, officials confirm. The incident occurred shortly after the vehicle departed for Jodhpur on Tuesday afternoon. The jammed door is cited as a major factor in the high fatalities, preventing passengers from escaping.

The Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma, promptly addressed the situation, expressing deep sorrow and overseeing rescue and medical operations. Sharma's immediate dispatch to the site underscores the gravity. Army personnel and locals played a vital role in rescue efforts, employing a passing tanker's water to control the blaze.

Initial investigations suggest a short circuit might have triggered the fire, although other possibilities, like firecrackers, are being considered. The bus, on its fourth journey, lacked crucial safety features like emergency exits, contributing to the disaster's magnitude. Authorities continue meticulous verification of passenger numbers and DNA identifications for the charred remains.

(With inputs from agencies.)