Odisha, Odisha — Twenty passengers were burnt alive and 16 were critically injured when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday, police said.

Background

While the incident occurred in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, its impact is being felt across the nation, including in Odisha. The bus, carrying 57 passengers, left Jaisalmer around 3 pm, and on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke began emerging from the rear portion. The driver stopped the bus along the roadside, but within moments, the flames engulfed the vehicle.

Community Impact

Prima facie, it appears that the fire broke out due to a short circuit, police said. The incident has left the community in shock, with many families affected by the loss of their loved ones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of deceased. According to police, the injured passengers were taken to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer for treatment, while 16 critically injured passengers have been referred to a hospital in Jodhpur.

What Happens Next

The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with many calling for strict safety measures to be implemented in public transport. The Prime Minister’s announcement of ex gratia is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As the nation mourns the loss of lives, it is crucial that we learn from this incident and take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

The incident has also highlighted the need for better emergency response systems, with many praising the quick response of locals, passers-by, and army personnel who assisted in the rescue efforts. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and the need for strict measures to be implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring. As the nation comes together to mourn the loss of lives, it is crucial that we take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from happening again.