Jaisalmer Bus Fire: DNA सैंपलिंग से होगी अग्निकांड के मृतकों की पहचान

.
.

🔥 DNA Sampling Underway to Identify Victims of Jaisalmer Bus Fire Tragedy; Death Toll Rises

Jodhpur, Rajasthan – The devastating bus fire on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway on Tuesday afternoon has resulted in one of the state’s most harrowing recent tragedies, with the death toll currently standing at 20 fatalities. The fire, which erupted in a moving AC sleeper bus at approximately 3:30 PM, was so intense that many of the bodies were severely burnt, requiring the administration to resort to DNA sampling for identification.

The initial casualty count of 19 deaths at the scene has sadly increased, with one victim succumbing to injuries while undergoing treatment in Jodhpur. The deceased include five members of a single family and a journalist, Rajendra Chauhan. In addition to the fatalities, 15 people, including two children and four women, have suffered severe burn injuries and are currently receiving critical care in Jodhpur hospitals.

Among the severely injured are a couple who were returning to Jodhpur after completing their pre-wedding photoshoot, a stark reminder of the dreams tragically cut short by the inferno.

The Scene of the Tragedy: Structural Failures and Trapped Victims

Eyewitness accounts and initial inspections of the burnt-out shell of the bus point to critical structural deficiencies that contributed to the high fatality rate.

A local representative at the scene highlighted the catastrophic combination of factors:

“Because it was a sleeper bus, people were unable to jump from the sleeping berths. Furthermore, there was only one door for exit, whereas there should have been two emergency exits. People were trapped inside. The individuals seated in the front were able to escape.”

The official confirmed the severity of the casualties: “The casualties are estimated to be around 17 or 18 fatalities at the spot, and 15 or 16 individuals are currently here [in the hospital] in serious condition.”

The fire spread with such ferocity that some bodies were fused to the bus structure and reduced to ash. Given the horrific state of the victims, the local official confirmed the necessary, yet grim, identification process: “We will conduct DNA testing to identify the bodies that are beyond recognition. We are also cross-checking passenger manifests and investigating reports of missing persons whose family members have not returned home.”

It is suspected that the fire and subsequent explosion were caused by the bus’s compressor unit, although a full FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) investigation is pending. The most glaring issue remains the safety standard violation: “The biggest problem was that there was only one escape route.” Estimates suggest that at least 35 to 40 people were on the bus at the time of the incident.

Government Response: CM Visits the Injured and Pledges Support

Following the horrific accident, the state government swiftly mobilized resources. The Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma, inspected the destroyed bus wreckage and then traveled by special flight to Jodhpur to visit the critically injured patients.

The Chief Minister toured the burn units at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH), speaking with the victims and their doctors to assess their health status. He issued strict instructions to the medical teams:

Dedicated Care Teams: Ensure a dedicated doctor and nursing staff are assigned to each patient to guarantee 24-hour monitoring.
Family Support: Provide necessary facilities, including accommodation and food, to the relatives of the injured staying at the hospital.

The CM also addressed the public, emphasizing the need for unity and support over immediate criticism.

“This is not the time for criticism or pointing out administrative flaws; we will have plenty of time for that later. The present moment requires us to give courage to the injured and their family members.”

He acknowledged the pain felt across the state, particularly during the festive season. “This unfortunate incident, occurring just before Diwali, is a great tragedy. It is our collective moral responsibility to support these families.”

The Urgent Call for DNA Samples

A major concern for authorities is the identity of the deceased. With many bodies beyond visual recognition, leaders are urging the affected families to come forward and cooperate with the identification process.

Another local leader, speaking at the hospital, pleaded with the families:

“For those family members who have loved ones who are currently unaccounted for and unidentified, I earnestly request you all to come forward and provide DNA samples. We are all with you; we are your family.”

He reiterated the official government commitment: “The administration is fully supportive, and we have appealed to the Chief Minister, who has shown great sensitivity in this matter. The government will provide full assistance, and compensation will be given to everyone.”

The leader also dismissed various rumors circulating about the cause, such as the bus carrying firecrackers or issues with the AC unit, stating that the focus must remain on providing medical care. “We must set aside all these matters for now and concentrate on the better health of those who have reached us in an injured state.”

The tragedy has stripped the victims of their identity, forcing a reliance on modern forensics to bring closure to grieving families. As the DNA sampling process begins, Rajasthan hopes for definitive answers and the strength to address the systemic safety lapses that claimed these innocent lives.

.