Tragic incident on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur corridor
A private passenger bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the loss of 20 lives and leaving 16 others critically injured. The incident occurred on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway after smoke was spotted emanating from the rear of the bus, which had 57 passengers on board. The driver managed to steer the vehicle to the roadside before the flames engulfed it, but the fire rapidly spread, making rescue efforts challenging for bystanders and authorities.
Response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic mishap via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He said he was distressed by the loss of lives and extended prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. In a significant relief measure, the PM announced that an ex-gratia payment would be made to the next of kin of each deceased person, and a separate amount would be provided to those who were injured in the incident.
Ex-gratia and relief measures
According to the government statement, the ex-gratia to the families of the deceased is Rs 2 lakh per person, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000. These payments are designed to provide immediate financial relief to families grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy as authorities investigate the cause and assess further assistance needs.
What happened and how authorities responded
Police and emergency teams arrived at the scene promptly, but the extent of the damage made it difficult to conduct swift rescue operations. The vehicle, which was carrying 57 passengers, is reported to have been traveling along a busy stretch of highway when the blaze broke out. Investigators will examine potential factors such as mechanical failure, electrical faults, or other mishaps that could have triggered the fire. Local officials are coordinating with state authorities to ensure appropriate medical care for the injured and to support the families affected by the loss of loved ones.
What families and communities need to know
For families of the deceased and injured, the coming days will involve formal procedures to process the ex-gratia payments and medical arrangements for those who remain in hospital. State government officials have urged calm while the investigation unfolds, emphasizing that the early monetary relief is a first step in a broader aid package that may include longer-term support depending on the findings of the inquiry.
Looking ahead: safety and accountability on Indian roads
Incidents of this nature renew calls for rigorous safety checks on passenger buses, routine maintenance audits, and stricter enforcement of road safety standards. Authorities and policymakers often review bus fleet regulations, driver working hours, and compliance with safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. Community leaders and civil society groups may also push for improved emergency response times and better public awareness about what to do in a bus fire emergency.
