Jaisalmer Bus Fire / Jaisalmer Bus Fire: 20 Dead Amid Questions Over Missing Emergency Exit, Locked Doors

Jaisalmer Bus Fire: A devastating bus fire in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Tuesday claimed the lives of 20 passengers and left 15 seriously injured. The AC sleeper bus, en route from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, suddenly caught fire around 3:30 PM on the highway, while witnesses reported that smoke rapidly turned into fierce flames, engulfing the bus entirely. Eyewitnesses described the inferno as so intense that people were afraid to approach, while post-accident investigations have brought to light severe technical shortcomings in the bus, which Importantly contributed to the high death toll. A critical flaw was the complete absence of an emergency exit for passengers, while with the main gate reportedly locked and engulfed in flames, passengers were trapped inside. On top of that, there was no ventilation system to help when smoke filled the bus, and if a fire suppression system was present, it failed to activate, raising serious concerns.

Safety Standards Under Scrutiny

Adding to the shock, the bus, operated by 'KK Travels,' was a mere 14 days old. It was registered on October 1st, received its permit on October 9th, and met with this horrific accident on October 14th, while this incident underscores the dire need for stricter safety compliance in AC buses. Experts suggest that every AC bus should be equipped with at least two fire extinguishers, an emergency exit door and windows, glass break hammers, fire-resistant materials for seats and wiring, emergency lighting, CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, automatic fire alert sensors, and a speed governor. On top of that, RTOs should conduct mandatory safety audits every six months, and drivers must receive training in fire safety drills and first aid. The injured are currently receiving treatment at a Jodhpur hospital.