Rajasthan Bus Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 21 in Jaisalmer, 2 Officers suspended

October 15, 2025

Jaisalmer: The death toll from the massive fire on a private sleeper bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur has risen to 21, authorities said. The tragic accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, April 14, leaving the victims so severely burned that 19 bodies can only be identified through DNA testing.

Chittorgarh’s acting DTO Surendra Singh and Assistant Administrative Officer Chunni Lal, who approved the bus body, were suspended.

Meanwhile, the first FIR was registered late Tuesday night. The brother of journalist Rajendra Chauhan, who was the victim of the accident, filed a case against the bus owner and driver at the Sadar police station in Jaisalmer.

Bodies Taken to Jodhpur for DNA Sampling

As of Wednesday morning, the bodies of 19 deceased passengers were transported to Jodhpur via Border Security Force (BSF) vehicles and placed in the mortuaries of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH) and AIIMS Jodhpur under police supervision.

The district administration has set up special arrangements for DNA collection, with samples being taken from two closest relatives of each deceased at cottages 4 and 5 of MGH Jodhpur and the trauma center of Jawahar Hospital, Jaisalmer. Expert teams from Ajmer and Bikaner have been called to assist.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, accompanied by Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, MoS KK Bishnoi, and Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati, flew to Jodhpur by special plane late Tuesday night. They met 15 seriously injured passengers receiving treatment in the burn unit of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. One of the injured had died en route to the hospital.

Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny

Speaking to the media, Health Minister Khinvsar said the fire was so intense that passengers trapped in the sleeper coach could not escape. He pointed to a serious safety lapse, noting:

“This bus only had one door, when there should have been at least two for evacuation. This is why people got trapped.”

DNA tests will be conducted to identify the deceased, and a thorough investigation into safety norm compliance will follow, even though the bus was reportedly new.

Prime Minister Expresses Grief, Announces Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragedy, stating:

“Saddened by the loss of lives in the accident in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The PM also announced ex-gratia compensation from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF): ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Following the incident, authorities have begun inspecting passenger buses entering Jodhpur to ensure drivers are not carrying flammable materials like firecrackers, petrol, or diesel. Emergency exits of buses are also being checked to prevent similar accidents.

Support and Appeal to Families

Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati appealed to families whose relatives are missing to come forward and provide DNA samples for identification, urging calm and courage among the grieving.