Tragically, a bus fire in Rajasthan, India, claimed the lives of at least 20 people on Tuesday, according to local media and officials.
The bus, transporting over 50 passengers, was en route from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur when disaster struck. Senior police officer Rajesh Meena informed AFP that “Nineteen passengers were killed on the bus, and one died on the way to Jodhpur due to burn injuries.”
The Press Trust of India confirmed the death toll, citing a local lawmaker, and reported that the bus halted on the highway as smoke billowed from its rear. “The driver pulled over, but flames quickly consumed the vehicle,” they added.
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The fire broke out shortly after the bus left Jaisalmer around 3pm (0930 GMT), as per reports. Footage showed firefighters and police at the scene.
#WATCH | Rajasthan: A bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire in Jaisalmer. Firefighters and police are present at the scene. pic.twitter.com/8vcxx5ID1q
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2025
NDTV, citing anonymous police sources, suggested a short circuit could have triggered the fire. AFP has yet to independently verify these details.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the fatalities, stating he was “praying for the swift recovery of those injured.”
Modi announced that families of the deceased would receive 200,000 rupees ($2,252.5) in compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, while the injured would be given 50,000 rupees.
India, the world’s most populous country, is known for its hazardous road conditions.
In 2023, the latest statistics reveal over 480,000 road accidents in India, resulting in nearly 173,000 deaths and approximately 463,000 injuries.
