Police confirm cause of Jaisalmer bus fire that killed 26; faulty AC wiring to blame

Jaisalmer: The Rajasthan Police on Thursday confirmed that the tragic Jaisalmer bus fire, which killed 26 people, was triggered by an electrical short circuit in the vehicle’s air conditioning unit. Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Shivhare stated that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report ruled out the presence of any explosives in the bus.

According to SP Shivhare, the bus’s copper pipes had multiple holes that allowed smoke containing carbon monoxide to circulate through the air vents. This toxic smoke burned the lungs of many passengers, leaving them too weak to escape.

He also revealed serious lapses by the bus operators and manufacturers, who had sealed the emergency exits “for their own unfair gain”. The bus reportedly lacked essential safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher or a hammer to break the windows in case of emergency.

“So far, three people have been arrested, including the driver, owner, and bus manufacturer,” Shivhare said. Two teams from the Transport Department have reached Jaisalmer to carry out a detailed investigation into safety violations.

The horrific blaze broke out earlier this week when the private bus caught fire while travelling through Jaisalmer district, killing at least 26 passengers and injuring several others. Officials said further investigation into the incident and accountability for safety negligence is ongoing.

The FSL report has conclusively determined that the cause of the Jaisalmer bus fire was an electrical malfunction, not an explosion. Authorities believe that the faulty wiring and damaged copper pipes of the air conditioning system caused the short circuit. The resulting fire quickly engulfed the bus, producing thick carbon monoxide fumes that incapacitated passengers.

SP Shivhare condemned the bus operators and manufacturers for endangering lives by closing emergency exits and failing to install basic safety devices. The lack of these safeguards, he said, significantly increased the death toll.

Three individuals, including the bus driver, its owner, and the manufacturer, have been arrested under multiple sections related to negligence and culpable homicide. The Transport Department has also deployed two special teams to review compliance with vehicle safety norms across the region.

As per the latest reports, 26 people have died and several remain hospitalised with severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation. Authorities have promised strict action against those found responsible for compromising passenger safety.