Jaipur: At least eight people were killed and 22 others injured after a private passenger bus caught fire following a collision with a trailer on the Delhi Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Wednesday. The victims included passengers who were unable to escape after the impact, while several others sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
According to police, the bus was travelling from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand to Indore in Madhya Pradesh when it reportedly rammed into a trailer moving ahead on the expressway in the Kolwa police station area. The collision triggered a massive fire, engulfing the bus within minutes and leaving little time for several passengers to escape. Preliminary reports indicate that around 39 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames rapidly spread through the vehicle. Local residents and motorists attempted to rescue trapped passengers before firefighters and emergency response teams arrived. Police, fire brigade personnel and ambulance services launched an immediate rescue operation, shifting the injured to hospitals in Dausa and Jaipur for treatment.
Officials said the exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Initial findings suggest the bus lost control before colliding with the trailer, though investigators are examining all possible factors, including vehicle speed, road conditions and mechanical failure. Authorities are also working to identify all the deceased and inform their families.
The bus was reportedly operated by Hans Travels, an Indore based private operator. Senior district officials visited the accident site and directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care while the damaged vehicles were removed to restore traffic movement on the expressway.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over passenger safety on India’s highways and the growing number of fatal crashes involving long distance buses. Investigators are expected to submit a detailed report after completing the forensic examination of the accident scene.
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