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Jaisalmer bus tragedy: A modified AC sleeper bus caught fire due to a short circuit, leading to the death of 20 passengers. Investigations reveal safety violations and design flaws
Jaisalmer / Jaipur, October 15, 2025 — A horrific tragedy struck Rajasthan on Tuesday afternoon when a private AC sleeper bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire, leading to the death of at least 20 passengers and injuring many others. Authorities now believe the blaze started due to an electrical short circuit, compounded by risky modifications and design flaws that impeded escape.
As rescue operations continue and bodies are being identified via forensic methods, questions are being raised about the safety of converted sleeper buses, oversight lapses, and accountability.
The Incident: What Happened That Day
Departure & Onset of Fire
The bus, operated by KK Travels, departed Jaisalmer around 3:00 PM with about 57 passengers on board. About 10 kilometers outside Jaisalmer, near Thaiyat village, smoke was first noticed emerging from the rear section of the bus.
Eyewitnesses say the fire escalated rapidly. The driver stopped the vehicle near a military station (some reports say near an army depot), but by then flames had engulfed large sections.
Passengers tried to flee, but many were trapped inside as doors jammed or exits were blocked. Several leaped from windows, but the speed and intensity of the fire limited successful escape.
Death Toll & Injuries
- At least 19 bodies were recovered from the bus at the scene.
- One more passenger succumbed to burns en route to the hospital. Some reports now put the total number of deaths at 21, following additional casualties.
- Around 15–16 people are critically injured and undergoing treatment in hospitals in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
- Many survivors suffer severe burns (up to 70%) and are in intensive care.
The district administration and hospitals have set up helpline numbers and DNA identification protocols to assist in matching charred remains.
Why the Fire Spread So Fast: Design & Modification Issues
Preliminary investigations point to multiple risk factors and violations:
AC Conversion & Electrical Faults
The bus had been recently converted from a non‑AC format to an AC sleeper bus — reportedly just about 5 days before the incident. This conversion may have included additional wiring, insulation, and gas lines for AC systems.
Investigators suspect a short circuit in the air conditioning unit triggered the fire. The presence of flammable interiors — curtains, cushions, synthetic materials — exacerbated the blaze.
Blocked Exits & Jammed Doors
As flames spread, the front exit and door reportedly became blocked, either by fire or mechanical jamming, preventing passengers from escaping.
Some sources claim that firecrackers, stored in the luggage compartment, exploded under heat, intensifying the conflagration.
Local residents and army personnel had to force open doors or break them down using heavy machinery (e.g. a JCB) to facilitate rescue.
Fire services reportedly reached the site with a delay of 45 minutes after being alerted.
Single Entry/Exit Route
The bus had only one primary exit, making evacuation difficult. Passengers at the rear were especially vulnerable.
Rescue, Response & Political Reactions
Rescue & Medical Aid
Local villagers, passers‑by, and army units rushed to assist survivors and douse flames. The injured were first admitted at Jawahar Hospital, Jaisalmer, and many critical cases were referred to specialized hospitals in Jodhpur.
Helpline numbers have been launched for relatives to seek information and identification assistance.
Official Visits & Actions
- Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Jaisalmer and oversaw relief operations, directing officials to provide every possible help to victims.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock, announced ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for each deceased family, and ₹50,000 for injured individuals. Outlook India+3India
- The Rajasthan government has reportedly ordered inquiries and suspended two officials in light of the tragedy.
Accountability & Safety Questions
The tragedy has ignited sharp questioning of safety norms, regulatory enforcement, and accountability:
- Should conversions of non-AC buses into AC sleepers be permitted without rigorous safety scrutiny?
- Why were interior materials so flammable, and wiring so vulnerable?
- Why did emergency and fire services take significant time to reach the scene?
- Which officials or agencies will be held responsible — from transport authorities to enforcement and regulation?
- Will stricter oversight, audits, and proactive inspections follow?
In many past incidents, violations of bus body codes, absence of fire-retardant materials, ignored exit protocols, and corruption in vehicle approval processes have been flagged. This event may trigger renewed demands for enforcement and reform.
Human Stories & Community Impact
- Among the victims was a defence personnel and his family — including wife and children — traveling to celebrate Diwali. Their bodies were severely charred, necessitating DNA tests for identification.
- Families anxiously wait for word on loved ones. Many bodies have been damaged beyond recognition, complicating identification.
- Survivors recount harrowing escapes, screams, smoke, broken windows, and locked doors in their narratives — a haunting reminder of how fast disaster struck.
Preventive Measures & Reforms Ahead
In the aftermath, several actionable steps are likely to receive focus:
- Stricter regulation and approval of bus modifications, especially conversion to AC sleeper format
- Mandatory use of fire-retardant materials for interiors
- Multiple emergency exits, roof hatches, and fire escape routes to facilitate emergency evacuation
- Regular electrical audits and preventive maintenance of wiring, AC systems, and circuit design
- Rapid response standards for fire brigade deployment, especially along highways
- Enhanced oversight and penalties for transport operators who flout safety standards
- Public awareness campaigns about choosing safer travel options
If implemented earnestly, such measures could prevent many future tragedies.
Timeline Summary
| Time / Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| ~3:00 PM | Bus departs Jaisalmer with ~57 passengers |
| ~3:30 PM (after ~10 km) | Smoke appears from rear section near Thaiyat village |
| Moments later | Fire spreads rapidly, exits jam, passengers try to escape |
| Mid‑afternoon | Fire services arrive (~45 min delay) |
| Evening | Bodies recovered (19 on site, one en route) & many injured |
| Next day | Official visits, compensation announcements, investigations begin |
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