Jodhpur (Rajasthan): A day after a bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire, killing 20 passengers on Tuesday, the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer district authorities have issued helpline numbers for the public. The accident happened near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer.
“All respected citizens are requested to assist in identifying and assisting the family members of those who are missing or untraceable in the fire accident involving the KK Travels bus (RJ 09PA8040) travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur on Tuesday, October 14th. As directed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the District Administrations of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are working diligently and actively,” the District administration said in a message to family members of victims.
It said that DNA samples will be collected from two of the deceased’s closest relatives to identify them. Special arrangements have been made for this purpose at Cottages 4 and 5 of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jodhpur, and at the Trauma Centre of Jawahar Hospital, Jaisalmer.
“If anyone in your family is missing, please contact the helpline numbers below and receive the necessary assistance. District Control Room, Jodhpur, 0291-2650349, 2650350, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital- 09414159222, State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Jodhpur 9414919021, Trauma Centre, Jawahar Hospital, Jaisalmer 9460106451, 9636908033, Jaisalmer Helpline Numbers, 9414801400, 8003101400, 02992 252201, 02992 255055”.
An expert team is coming to Jodhpur from Ajmer and Bikaner to expedite the DNA identification process, it said.
Rajasthan CM visits the injured at Jodhpur hospital
Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur to meet those injured in the incident.
Sharing an update on X on Tuesday, Sharma said, “Reached Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur and met with the people injured in the Jaisalmer bus accident and their families. After inquiring about their treatment status from the doctors, I instructed them to ensure all possible medical assistance and the best possible treatment. I pray to God for a speedy recovery for all the injured.”
Thoroughly investigate Jaisalmer bus fire, says Ashok Gehlot
Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has demanded that the Rajasthan government initiate a thorough investigation.
Labelling the incident as “tragic”, Gehlot said that a complaint should be filed to determine the possible reasons or “technical faults” that led to the bus catching fire. He asserted that the probe must also confirm whether the bus doors were “automatically locked” when the fire started.
“20 people have been killed, with many on ventilators and suffering serious burns. This is extremely tragic. The investigation should be focused on how the bus caught fire. I heard the bus was brought in 10 days ago, raising questions about possible technical faults. Such negligence should not occur at this point,” Gehlot, former Rajasthan Chief Minister, told ANI.
“A complaint should be filed with the company to determine how this incident happened, especially since the bus was not involved in any accident. I also heard that the doors may have automatically locked when the fire started, but this is unconfirmed. The government should initiate a thorough investigation,” he added.
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