JAIPUR
A horrific bus fire in Rajasthan has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to ten others. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday when a private sleeper bus, transporting more than 50 laborers from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, to a brick kiln, struck a high-tension power line near Manoharpur on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway, instantly bursting into flames.
The fatal incident unfolded as the overloaded bus navigated an internal village road, approximately 55 kilometers from Jaipur. Belongings such as household items, gas cylinders, and even two-wheelers, precariously stacked on the roof, made contact with an active 11 kV electricity line. This immediate connection caused the vehicle to ignite, forcing panicked passengers to escape by leaping from the windows.
Among the injured, many suffered severe burn wounds, while others were hurt by the electric shock. Six individuals in critical condition were rushed to Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Government Hospital, with the remaining victims receiving medical attention at the Shahpura sub-district hospital.
Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, overseeing the transport sector, announced a thorough investigation into the catastrophe. A forensic team has already arrived at the scene to meticulously gather evidence and determine the exact circumstances leading to the fire.
This incident painfully echoes a previous tragedy on October 14, when a modified air-conditioned sleeper bus caught fire near Jaisalmer, killing over 25 passengers and injuring many more. That earlier blaze was attributed to a short circuit in the bus, which lacked an emergency exit due to modifications for sleeper berths.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed their profound condolences to the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Sharma has instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to all those injured in the accident.