Jaipur, Oct 15 (UNI) A number of passengers are feared to have died and many injured when a moving bus caught fire in Jaisalmer late Tuesday afternoon.
The ill-fated bus, carrying 57 passengers, was passing near an Army Station when it suddenly caught fire. The flames immediately engulfed the entire vehicle, turning it into a “moving ball of fire.” The atmosphere was filled with cries for help from the passengers.
Although the death toll could not be ascertained immediately, around 10 to 12 persons are feared to have succumbed to their burns, and the toll is expected to rise.
According to initial official reports reaching the state capital, injured passengers with grave burn injuries were rushed to hospitals. At least 16 persons were referred to Jodhpur for treatment, with many in a critical condition.
Officials said the cause of the fire was not yet ascertained, though a short circuit could probably have caused the blaze.
Police, fire brigade sleuths, and other agencies rushed to the spot, and rescue work was initiated. District Collector Pratap Singh was supervising the rescue and relief efforts, assisted by a group of Army men.
Jodhpur Divisional Commissioner Pratibha Singh also proceeded to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed shock over the tragic mishap and asked officials to make all efforts to save the lives of the injured persons. Sharma was also proceeding to Jaisalmer to personally take stock of the situation.
