Rajasthan Near-Miss: Sleeper Bus Catches Fire After Collision in Bikaner

Bikaner, Rajasthan: Just months after the tragic Jaisalmer bus fire that claimed 29 lives, Rajasthan witnessed another alarming bus fire incident on Wednesday, this time in Bikaner’s Shree Dungargarh area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

According to police, a sleeper bus traveling from Jaipur to Bikaner collided with a truck carrying fodder (todi) on the National Highway early Wednesday morning. The collision triggered a fire that engulfed both the bus and the truck. Thanks to quick action, around 40 passengers were safely evacuated, averting a potential tragedy.

Timing and Circumstances of the Accident

The accident occurred at approximately 5:15 AM, near Sesomu School, shortly after the bus crossed Shree Dungargarh. The bus had departed Jaipur the previous night around 11 PM. Dense morning fog reduced visibility, and the truck—stationary after hitting another vehicle—was not seen in time, leading to the collision.

Evacuation and Firefighting Efforts

Head Constable Balveer Singh Kajla reported that the truck’s dry fodder caught fire on impact, which quickly spread to the bus. Passengers were evacuated through the two emergency exits and the main door, ensuring everyone escaped unharmed.

Traffic on the highway was halted for approximately two hours as a precaution. Multiple fire brigade units rushed to the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze. Unfortunately, the sleeper bus was completely destroyed, and all passengers’ belongings were lost in the fire.

A Grim Reminder

This near-miss comes as a stark reminder of last year’s Jaisalmer tragedy, where a bus fire claimed numerous lives. Authorities have reiterated the need for road safety vigilance, especially during early morning hours and in low-visibility conditions, to prevent similar incidents in the future.