Bus catches fire in India: More than 20 people killed

A terrible tragedy occurred in India’s Rajasthan state — a passenger bus caught fire, killing at least 20 people, local media reported.

The incident took place on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway, near the village of Taiyat. The bus was carrying around 50 passengers. Shortly after departure, smoke began rising from the rear of the vehicle, and within minutes, the entire cabin was engulfed in flames.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread so rapidly that many passengers could not escape. Those sitting in the rear part of the bus were unable to reach the exit doors. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the air conditioning system.

Authorities have begun DNA testing to identify the victims. Rajasthan Chief Minister Shugat Singh expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and ordered the creation of a special commission to re-inspect the safety of all passenger buses.

Local media reported that this incident is regarded as one of the most severe transport fires in the country.