Jodhpur: Heartbreak and outrage continue to mount among families of the victims of the tragic Jaisalmer bus fire that claimed at least 20 lives on Tuesday. As they wait in anguish to identify their loved ones, many have slammed the authorities for delays in DNA testing and the absence of prompt medical response.
Nitesh Chauhan, who lost his elder brother in the incident, voiced his frustration over the lack of support at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Why isn’t the Chief Minister listening to us? We’ve been waiting since early morning, but the doctors haven’t even arrived. The DNA tests are scheduled for 11 a.m.—why the delay? We are grieving here, and no one is telling us anything.”
Chauhan added bitterly, “The whole system seems to wake up for criminals, even at midnight, but for the common man, there’s silence. I’ve lost my brother. You’re asking us questions, but go inside and ask why there are no doctors here yet.”
Another grieving relative revealed that one of the victims was travelling home for Diwali. “We’ve been at the hospital since 6 a.m., but the DNA test still hasn’t been done. He was coming back for Diwali. Now we’re just waiting, with no clarity.”
A man mourning his younger brother said he only discovered the tragedy after repeated calls to his brother went unanswered. “He was on his way from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. When his phone kept going off, we feared something had happened. Later, we learned he was among the victims.”
The private bus, en route to Jodhpur, caught fire near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer on Tuesday, killing at least 20 and leaving several others injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
As families demand answers and justice, they’re also calling for accountability and a more compassionate, timely response from the system meant to serve them.
