Jaisalmer bus fire: 20 dead; PM Modi says 'distressed by loss', announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives after a private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire.

Twenty passengers died in the fire, and 16 others were critically injured, news agency PTI reported.

"Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan . My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," PM Modi said in an X post shared by the PMO .

Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 14, 2025

He added, "An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000."

Police said the bus, carrying 57 passengers, departed from Jaisalmer around 3 pm. On the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke started coming from the rear of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the roadside, but shortly after, the bus was completely engulfed in flames.