Amaravati, October 15, 2025:

A private AC sleeper bus route from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur burst into flames near Sam village on Tuesday night, killing 20 people, including a family of five and injuring 16 in a desperate bid to flee locked doors. The vehicle, purchased just five days earlier, ignited from a suspected short circuit, trapping victims inside the sealed cabin despite frantic cries for help.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma rushed to the site, ordering a high-level inquiry into the tragedy that exposed glaring gaps in inter-state transport standards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia per deceased family and ₹50,000 for the injured, while transport authorities suspended the operator's license pending forensic results.