A devastating fire on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of 20 passengers when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur in Rajasthan caught fire, police confirmed.

The bus, carrying 57 passengers, departed Jaisalmer around 3 pm. Reports indicate that smoke began emerging from the rear section while on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The driver stopped the vehicle, but the flames rapidly engulfed it.

Local residents and passers-by rushed to assist in rescue efforts before fire engines and police arrived at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. Tragically, the bus had reportedly been purchased only five days prior.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited Jaisalmer late Tuesday night and inspected the burnt-out bus.

Fifteen passengers, including four women and two children, suffered severe burn injuries, with some enduring burns over 70 per cent of their bodies. They were initially treated at Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer and later transferred to Jodhpur for advanced medical care.

District officials confirmed that relief and rescue operations were immediately launched. A green corridor was created along National Highway 125, and eight ambulances, escorted by police, transported the critically injured. DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur have been deployed to assist in identifying the victims, as many were burned beyond recognition.

“The identity of the deceased will be confirmed through DNA testing before handing over the bodies to families,” said Jaisalmer District Collector Pratap Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be provided: Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.