Tragic Aftermath: Families Devastated as Rajasthan Bus Fire Claims 21 Lives Including Three Children from One Family

Sohrab Khan's son and daughter-in-law remain in critical condition following a devastating bus tragedy.

A horrific incident occurred in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer on Tuesday when a bus caught fire, resulting in 21 fatalities and at least 15 injuries. Behind these statistics lie heart-wrenching personal stories, including that of an elderly man who lost three grandchildren while his son and daughter-in-law fight for their lives, and another family who lost their sole provider.

The ill-fated bus departed from Jaisalmer carrying 57 passengers at approximately 3:30 PM on Tuesday, heading toward Jodhpur. Just 30 minutes into the journey on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, the vehicle burst into flames. Many passengers were trapped inside as the bus's only door became jammed.

In Bambaron Ki Dhani village, a once-cheerful home filled with children's laughter has now fallen silent. Sohrab Khan, 73, sits motionless on a chair, gazing blankly ahead with tears streaming down his face.

Khan's son, Pir Mohammed, had traveled to Jaisalmer with his wife Imamat and their eight-year-old son Yunus for a medical appointment at a hospital 30 kilometers from their village. Also accompanying them were Yunus' siblings—ten-year-old Hasina and five-year-old Irfan—along with Imamat's sister. The family was aboard the bus when it caught fire just 10 kilometers from their village.

Khan recounted receiving a frantic call from Mohammad informing him about the fire. Mohammad explained that he, Imamat, Yunus, and Imamat's sister had managed to escape, but Hasina and Irfan remained trapped inside. Mohammad reported that Yunus had sustained burns, and both he and Imamat were seriously injured and being transported to Jodhpur Hospital. After this call, Khan heard nothing more from his son.

The family later discovered the devastating news that Hasina and Irfan had perished at the scene, while Yunus subsequently died during treatment. Mohammad and Imamat remain in critical condition, and Imamat's sister suffered 30% burns.

"Khan hasn't been informed about Yunus' death yet. He continues to sit in that chair, clinging to hope that everyone, including his grandchildren, will return," a relative shared.

From Celebration to Tragedy

In Jawanth Jooni village, located 50 kilometers from Jaisalmer, another family faces their own tragedy. Hussain, a 70-year-old laborer, had visited Jaisalmer to congratulate relatives on a newborn baby and was returning home when the disaster struck.

"We were initially told he had sustained burn injuries and was being transported to a hospital in stable condition. Then around 10:30 PM, we received a call informing us of his death," explained Sher Khan, one of Hussain's relatives.

The family possesses only a few goats and a modest hut. Hussain's wife, who has mental health challenges, is now widowed. Their only son, aged 19, also has mental disabilities and cannot support himself or his mother.

Yare Khan, Hussain's friend, was traveling in another vehicle behind the bus when the incident occurred.

"The flames spread with alarming speed. Desperate passengers tried breaking windows to escape. Though emergency services arrived nearly an hour later, Army personnel who happened to be nearby provided immediate assistance. Had the military not responded so promptly, the death toll might have been even higher," Khan stated.