JAISALMER: The death toll in the tragic fire accident involving a sleeper bus, travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, rose to 21 on Wednesday. Ten-year-old Yunus succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur earlier this morning. Four other patients remain on ventilators in a critical condition at the hospital.The govt, meanwhile, suspended acting district transport officer (DTO) Surendra Singh and assistant administrative officer Chunni Lal of Chittorgarh transport department, who approved the modified body of the bus.
Police filed an FIR based on a complaint filed by the brother of journalist Rajendra Chauhan, a victim of the accident, against the bus owner and driver at the Sadar police station in Jaisalmer. DNA samples are also being collected at hospitals in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to identify the victims. Blood samples from 10 family members have been taken in Jaisalmer and sent to Jodhpur for testing.Meanwhile, Rajasthan high court Wednesday directed the regional transport officer (RTO) and DTO to inspect and ensure that all govt and private buses were operating as per regulations in Jodhpur. Directions were also issued to Jodhpur police commissioner to provide compensation to the dependents of the deceased and injured victims.According to special FSL and DNA expert teams from Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, the body of the bus remained extremely hot even eight to nine hours after the accident, making it difficult for them to enter the vehicle and collect samples.Team members described the scene inside the vehicle as shocking, with bodies stuck to seats and only skeletons visible on the burnt upholstery. Since many bodies were reduced to ash, they said the actual toll could be higher.Health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said the bus had only one door in the front instead of the mandatory two exits.
