When an AC sleeper bus caught fire near Jaisalmer on Tuesday evening, bus conductor Rafiq Khan showed remarkable courage and saved many passengers before being seriously injured himself.
Rafiq, who is now being treated at Dr. S.N. Medical College in Jodhpur, was checking tickets near the last seats when he saw smoke inside the bus. His brother Irfan told the media, “He was near the back when he saw smoke rising. He rushed toward the main gate to open it. As he reached the middle of the bus, flames shot out from the roof and there was a loud blast. He fell but crawled to the gate, opened it, and helped many passengers escape.”
Officials said around 50 people were travelling in the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur when the tragedy occurred. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, though initial reports suggest it started from the rear of the vehicle and spread rapidly. Local residents helped rescue the trapped passengers.
Fifteen people, including the conductor, were injured in the blaze, while 20 people lost their lives. Those injured were first taken to Jaisalmer and later shifted to Jodhpur for treatment.
Dr. B.S. Jodha, a senior doctor at the hospital, said, “Around 9 p.m., 15 patients from Jaisalmer were brought to us. Five of them are on ventilators as they have more than 70% burns. Others have suffered 40–50% burns.” He added that three patients were put on ventilators immediately.
Officials said the identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed. Ten bodies are at the S.N. Medical College, while the rest are at AIIMS Jodhpur. Collector Pratap Singh said a helpline has been set up for the families of the victims.
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes. One survivor, Peer Mohammad, said he managed to break a window and pull out his wife, sister-in-law, and one child, but could not save his two children sleeping on the upper berth. “The flames had become too strong. I survived, but my children burned alive,” he said, breaking down.
Families of the victims have also expressed anger over the delay in medical assistance. Police and district officials are investigating the cause of the fire and working to identify all the deceased.
