Jaipur: A devastating road accident on the Jaipur-Bandikui Expressway in Rajasthan claimed several lives after a passenger bus caught fire following a collision in the early hours of Wednesday. While officials have confirmed two deaths, authorities fear the toll could rise as rescue teams continue to recover charred remains from the burnt vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the bus was travelling from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand to Indore in Madhya Pradesh when the accident occurred between 3:15 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. The impact of the collision reportedly triggered a massive fire, engulfing the bus within minutes and leaving many passengers trapped inside.
Rescue Operation Underway
Emergency response teams, including police, firefighters, and district administration officials, rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. Firefighters battled the blaze before rescue personnel entered the charred bus to search for survivors and victims.
Officials said around 24 to 25 passengers either managed to escape on their own or were rescued from the burning vehicle. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where several are undergoing treatment.
Rescue operations continued for several hours as authorities searched the wreckage to determine the exact number of casualties.
Charred Bodies Recovered
Dausa MP Murari Lal Meena said that at least eight completely charred bodies had been recovered from the bus.
Describing the incident as tragic, he said, “Around 3:00 a.m., a bus caught fire following an accident. So far, eight completely charred bodies have been recovered, and 11 people have been admitted to the hospital.”
However, district officials said the final death toll would only be confirmed after the rescue operation is completed and the recovered remains are properly identified.
Administration Awaits Final Casualty Count
Dausa District Collector and District Magistrate Dr. Saumya Jha said the bus caught fire after colliding with another vehicle or object on the expressway.
“The bus was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore when it caught fire following a collision on the Jaipur-Bandikui Expressway around 3:15 or 3:30 a.m. Around 24 or 25 passengers managed to escape safely and were rescued. They are currently doing well,” she said.
She confirmed that two deaths had been verified at the scene. However, after the fire was brought under control, rescue teams discovered additional charred remains inside the bus.
“These remains have been sent to the hospital for examination. The rescue operation is still underway, and the exact number of casualties cannot be confirmed at this stage. We estimate that around seven to eight people may have died,” she added.
Cause of Collision Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the collision. Preliminary reports suggest the bus struck another vehicle or an unidentified object before bursting into flames, but investigators are examining the circumstances leading to the accident.
Forensic experts and transport officials are expected to inspect the accident site and the burnt vehicle to determine the exact sequence of events.
Investigation Continues
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and emergency response on national highways and expressways, particularly during overnight travel.
Police have launched an investigation into the accident, while officials are working to identify the deceased and inform their families. The injured continue to receive medical treatment, and authorities are expected to release an updated casualty figure once the rescue and identification process is completed.
