Air-Conditioning Short Circuit Triggers Tragic Bus Fire in Jaisalmer

A forensic report has established that a catastrophic bus fire near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, was caused by a short circuit in the vehicle's air-conditioning system, authorities announced on Friday.

The fire broke out on October 14, a mere 10 minutes after the private bus embarked on its journey to Jodhpur from Jaisalmer. Investigations conducted by Forensic Science Laboratory teams from both Jodhpur and Jaipur dismissed any connection to explosives or firecrackers.

Officials confirmed that the blaze originated from the air-conditioning unit on the bus's roof, as improper wiring linked to the engine sparked smoke and released carbon monoxide, suffocating passengers. Upon the window's breakage, incoming oxygen intensified the flames. Subsequent investigations highlighted serious negligence and safety violations, resulting in the arrests of the bus owner, driver, and body manufacturer.