Bus Fire on Rajasthan-Gujarat Border Raises Safety Concerns

A recent bus fire on the Rajasthan-Gujarat border has left one passenger critically injured and raised significant concerns regarding passenger safety. The incident occurred just three days after the bus service began operations, highlighting potential issues with safety standards and oversight by transport authorities. Eyewitness accounts describe a rapid spread of flames and toxic smoke, prompting a swift evacuation of passengers. The operator of the service is now working to contact affected individuals and their families. This alarming event underscores the dangers associated with makeshift bus modifications and inadequate safety measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 13:00 IST

Serious Incident on the Rajasthan-Gujarat Border

Jaipur, March 13: A significant fire broke out in a private bus along the Rajasthan-Gujarat border on Friday, resulting in one passenger suffering serious injuries and highlighting critical issues regarding passenger safety. Fortunately, the swift evacuation of other passengers prevented a larger disaster.

Reports indicate that a newly launched private bus service connecting Nachna to Ahmedabad was involved in the incident early in the morning.

On its third day of operation, the bus experienced a short circuit in its air conditioning unit near Nenava, close to Dhanera.

Witnesses described how toxic smoke rapidly filled the bus, and flames erupted almost instantly, causing panic among those onboard. Thanks to the quick actions of the driver and conductor, all passengers were evacuated in time. However, one individual sustained severe burn injuries and was promptly taken to a hospital in Dhanera. The fire was so fierce that the bus was heavily damaged within minutes.

Local authorities and police arrived shortly after to evaluate the situation. The injured passenger was later transferred to Palanpur after receiving initial treatment in Dhanera.

Medical professionals have reported that the passenger's condition is critical, while several others suffered minor injuries and received basic care.

Nirmal Rayani, the operator of Swagat Travels, mentioned that the bus service between Nachna and Ahmedabad had just started. He noted that the fire spread so quickly that passengers lost their luggage, important documents, and mobile phones, complicating their ability to reach out to family members.

Rayani stated, “Upon learning of the incident, we immediately sent our team to the location. Our main focus now is to contact the passengers and notify their families.”

This incident underscores the dangers associated with buses that have air conditioning systems installed through makeshift methods, often referred to as ‘jugaad’. Transport experts warn that the use of substandard wiring during bus construction and AC installation, along with the lack of functional emergency exits, can transform such vehicles into potential death traps.

The fact that the Nachna-Ahmedabad bus was involved in an accident just three days after its launch raises serious questions about the oversight of the district's transport authorities.