Bus fire! 20 dead include a pre-wedding couple and five members of the same family…bodies found stuck together

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🔥 Horror on the Highway: Jaisalmer Bus Fire Kills 20, Including Family of Five and Pre-Wedding Couple; DNA Identification Underway

A devastating tragedy struck the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway on Tuesday afternoon when a private bus burst into flames, resulting in the horrific death of 20 passengers. The severity of the fire was so extreme that many bodies were found stuck to the bus structure, making identification nearly impossible.

The incident has shocked the nation and highlighted the deadly consequences of transporting illegal and hazardous materials on public transport, especially during the festive season.

The Anatomy of the Disaster

The fire erupted suddenly on a private bus that had been purchased just five days prior. The bus departed from Jaisalmer around 3:00 PM.

Cause and Containment: Initial speculation suggests that the fire may have been caused by firecrackers stored on the bus, leading to a massive blaze after a short circuit. The fire began in the rear section of the bus.
Fatal Trap: The intensity of the smoke and flames caused the bus doors to lock, trapping the passengers inside. Although the driver showed presence of mind by immediately stopping the bus on the roadside, victims were unable to escape.
Scene of Horror: Eyewitnesses—local villagers—described a horrifying scene where passengers, engulfed in flames, were screaming and pleading for their lives with folded hands. Villagers rushed with water tankers, but the fire was too fierce, quickly reducing the victims to ashes.
Forensic Challenge: The extreme heat led to a devastating situation where several bodies were fused with the metal body of the bus. Military assistance was required to extract the remains.

Victims and Survivors

The tragedy devastated multiple families, turning a routine journey into a nightmare.

Fatalities: A total of 20 passengers were killed, burned alive in the inferno.
Family Loss: The deceased included five members of a single family and a couple returning after their pre-wedding photoshoot.
Survivors: Fortunately, 15 passengers were rescued, though many sustained severe injuries, including four women and two children. Some of the injured suffered burns covering up to 70% of their bodies.

Emergency Response and DNA Identification

The immediate challenge for authorities is the identification of the deceased, a process complicated by the complete destruction of the bodies.

Green Corridor: Recognizing the severity of the burn injuries, the administration quickly created a Green Corridor on National Highway 125, using police escorts to rush the injured to Jodhpur for specialized treatment.
Identification Protocol: District Collector Pratap Singh confirmed that many bodies were burned beyond recognition. As a result, DNA and forensic teams from Jodhpur were dispatched to the site. The bodies will be identified through DNA testing, a procedure previously used in national disasters like the Ahmedabad plane crash.
Official Response: District Collector Pratap Singh ordered the immediate provision of medical facilities and the issuance of helpline numbers. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the burnt bus wreckage late at night to assess the gravity of the situation.
Compensation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief and announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

A Critical Warning: The Danger of Illegal Transport

The most alarming aspect of the tragedy points to reckless disregard for public safety regulations.

Illegal Transport of Explosives: The high probability that the fire was intensified by firecrackers stored on the bus underscores the extreme danger of transporting explosives on public vehicles.
Legal Consequences: Transporting firecrackers on public buses, cars, or trains is strictly illegal and constitutes a direct violation of the Explosives Act and the Indian Railways Act (Section 164). Violations can lead to penalties including up to three years in jail or significant fines.

This accident serves as a stark warning about the risks associated with these small acts of carelessness during the festive season.

National Road Safety Concern

The tragedy occurs against a backdrop of increasing road fatalities in India. According to the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) report for 2023, the number of road accidents rose to 464,29 (an increase of 1.6%), resulting in 173,826 deaths.

This incident is not just a localized tragedy but a collective challenge, demanding that society address the small derelictions of duty and risks that jeopardize the lives of fellow citizens. Ensuring safety on the roads is a shared responsibility, requiring strict adherence to laws and a respect for human life.

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