A horrific fire broke out on Tuesday in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, when an AC sleeper private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur suddenly caught fire near the War Museum. The incident tragically claimed the lives of 12 passengers, including three children and three women. At the time, the bus was carrying 57 passengers, and 32 others sustained severe injuries as the flames engulfed the vehicle within minutes, leaving many unable to escape.
Eyewitnesses reported that thick smoke filled the bus unexpectedly, causing panic among travelers. Several passengers managed to break windows and jump to safety, but many were trapped as the fire spread rapidly. Local residents and passersby rushed to assist, while police and fire department teams arrived promptly to help evacuate the injured.
Jaisalmer bus fire | Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma tweets, "The incident of a bus catching fire in Jaisalmer is extremely heart-wrenching. I express deep condolences to the citizens affected by this tragic accident. Instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to pic.twitter.com/bWCC7oCNww
— AIBS News 24 (@AIBSNews24) October 14, 2025
Due to a shortage of stretchers at the site, rescue teams and locals carried the injured by hand and on their shoulders to ambulances for immediate transport to Jawahar Hospital. Medical officials confirmed that 35 victims are currently receiving treatment, with several suffering burns covering 30 to 50 percent of their bodies. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal expressed deep shock over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are examining possibilities such as a short circuit in the bus wiring or an engine-related fault. Police have confirmed that a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.