15 Injured in Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Bus Fire: Emergency Response and Rescue Operations

Many passengers desperately rushed toward windows and doors seeking escape routes during the incident. (Representational)

Jaipur:

A total of 15 individuals, including three children and four women, suffered injuries when a passenger bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur erupted in flames on Tuesday.

The fire incident took place near Thaiyat village, approximately 20 kilometers from Jaisalmer, at around 3:30 p.m., creating widespread panic among travelers on this busy route.

According to witness accounts, the bus had departed from Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. carrying 57 passengers. Shortly after passing Thaiyat village, passengers observed smoke emerging from the rear section of the vehicle. The flames rapidly spread throughout the entire bus within minutes.

Passengers frantically moved toward exits and windows in desperate attempts to escape the burning vehicle.

Local villagers and passing motorists quickly responded to the emergency and began rescue operations before official emergency services arrived at the scene.

Rescuers utilized water from nearby sources and sand to combat the flames while extracting trapped passengers from the burning bus.

Police and fire brigade personnel arrived at the location shortly after receiving reports of the accident.

Fifteen individuals suffered burn injuries during the incident. Three children and four women were among those rescued in critical condition, according to police reports.

The injured were transported to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer using three ambulances organized by local residents and police authorities.

Medical staff at the hospital provided initial treatment, while those with severe burns were transferred to Jodhpur for specialized care.

Among the seriously injured were Imamat (30) and her son, both of whom were subsequently referred to Jodhpur for advanced medical treatment. Military personnel from a nearby army base also arrived to assist with rescue operations and fire containment efforts.

With assistance from the fire brigade, the blaze was finally controlled after approximately one hour of continuous effort.

Authorities stated that the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest a possible electrical short circuit or engine overheating as potential factors.

Police have launched a formal investigation into the incident and inquiries are currently ongoing.