Nineteen people died and several others were critically injured after a private sleeper bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway on October 14, 2025. The blaze reportedly started in the rear portion of the bus and spread rapidly, leaving the vehicle completely gutted.
The bus, carrying around 57 passengers, departed Jaisalmer in the afternoon. Smoke was first seen emerging from the rear near Thaiyat village; passengers and the driver tried to stop, but the flames consumed the coach within minutes. Local residents and passersby mounted rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Casualties and injuries
Authorities recovered 19 bodies at the scene; additional victims were taken to Jawahar Hospital, Jaisalmer, and some critically injured patients were later referred to Jodhpur for specialised care. Officials reported several victims with severe burns — in some cases up to 70% of the body. Forensic and DNA teams from Jodhpur have been brought in to help identify the deceased.
Probable cause and initial probe
Police said the fire appears to have been triggered by a short circuit in the bus’s electrical system, though investigations are ongoing and will include vehicle forensics and witness statements. Officials emphasised that the final cause will be confirmed after expert examination.
Government response and relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and offered condolences to the victims’ families. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced ex-gratia relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF): ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, according to official updates. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached Jaisalmer late on Tuesday to review relief operations.
Local rescue operations
District administration officials said a green corridor was created along NH-125 to speed up transfers to Jodhpur; multiple ambulances, police, and fire services were engaged in rescue and relief. The district collector confirmed that victims beyond recognition would be identified through DNA testing and that helplines were being issued for families to register missing-person reports.
Why this matters
Road and bus-safety incidents with electrical faults are a recurring concern in long-distance operations. Experts say strict enforcement of vehicle maintenance, emergency-exit accessibility, and regular electrical-system checks are essential to prevent such catastrophes. Authorities have said they will examine compliance records of the operator as part of the probe.
Sources and further reading
This report is compiled from on-ground news reporting and official statements, including coverage by NDTV and updates from the Prime Minister’s Office.