{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Passengers Leap to Safety as Sleeper Bus Catches Fire on Rajasthan Highway Near Mahajan",
  "summary": "A sleeper bus travelling from Jodhpur to Sri Ganganagar was completely gutted after catching fire on National Highway 62 near Mahajan in Bikaner, with all passengers escaping unharmed.",
  "content": "A major disaster was narrowly averted late at night in Rajasthan when a moving passenger sleeper bus was engulfed in flames along National Highway 62 in Bikaner district. The incident took place on the stretch between Mahajan and Lalera while most travellers on board were fast asleep. Alert action by both the driver and the commuters prevented any casualties as everyone managed to evacuate before the vehicle was reduced to ashes.\n\nMidnight Blaze on National Highway 62\nThe accident occurred at around 2:00 AM when the night bus was continuing its journey towards Sri Ganganagar after departing from Jodhpur. As the vehicle crossed the Mahajan area and approached Lalera, heavy smoke began billowing from either the engine compartment or the rear section. Within mere moments, the dense smoke transformed into towering flames, causing panic among commuters and alerting drivers of other vehicles passing along the highway.\n\nUrgent Evacuation From the Burning Coach\nMost of the passengers were asleep in their berths when the fire broke out. The sudden smell of burning material and rising temperature inside the coach triggered immediate alarm. Realising the gravity of the situation, the driver brought the bus to a halt by the roadside, allowing passengers to scramble toward the exits. Travellers assisted one another in jumping out through doors and emergency window openings to reach safety away from the spreading fire.\n\nVehicle Reduced to a Charred Skeleton\nThe blaze spread with extreme ferocity, leaving no room to salvage luggage or belongings. Within minutes, the entire sleeper coach was engulfed in a massive ball of fire. By the time the flames subsided, the bus had been completely incinerated, leaving behind nothing more than a blackened metal frame. Local authorities and families expressed profound relief that every single passenger escaped without any loss of life.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis incident underlines the critical importance of passenger awareness regarding emergency exits during late night intercity bus journeys.\n\n• Across India: Travellers boarding overnight sleeper buses must locate the emergency escape windows and safety hammers upon boarding. In the event of smoke or fire, leaving personal baggage behind and evacuating immediately is vital.\n• In Bikaner: Commuters travelling along National Highway 62 between Mahajan and Lalera should keep local emergency helplines accessible. Passengers choosing private bus routes are advised to verify vehicle fitness and basic safety gear.\n• For bus operators: Fleet managers must inspect onboard fire extinguishers and ensure emergency exit mechanisms are unblocked and fully functional. Regular technical servicing before overnight highway trips reduces electrical and mechanical fire hazards.\n• For night travellers: Immediate notification to the driver at the first whiff of burning rubber or smoke can save dozens of lives. Awareness and quick reaction remain the strongest shield during highway emergencies.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe sudden fire aboard the sleeper bus occurred in the dead of night, originating from technical faults in the rear or engine section.\n\n• Immediate trigger: Thick black smoke started emerging from either the engine area or the rear section of the coach while in motion. The smouldering quickly intensified into an uncontrollable open blaze within seconds.\n• Contributing conditions: At 2:00 AM, the bus was cruising on the highway under windy conditions that rapidly fanned the flames across the entire cabin. Most occupants were sleeping, which heightened the immediate threat to life.\n• Course of events: The driver brought the vehicle to a halt promptly upon noticing the smoke, permitting commuters to jump out through doors and emergency windows before the chassis was fully consumed.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Where and when did the bus fire incident occur?\nThe incident occurred at around 2:00 AM on National Highway 62 between Mahajan and Lalera in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan.\n\n2. What was the travel route of the sleeper bus?\nThe sleeper coach had departed from Jodhpur and was heading towards Sri Ganganagar.\n\n3. Were there any casualties or injuries in the mishap?\nNo, all passengers managed to escape the burning vehicle safely, resulting in zero casualties.\n\n4. From which part of the bus did the blaze originate?\nSmoke was first noticed emanating from either the engine area or the rear portion of the bus before spreading across the vehicle.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/rajasthan-ke-mahajan-men-haive-para-dhu-dhu-kara-jali-slipara-basa-yatriyon-ne-kudakara-bachai-apani-jana-50016",
  "category": "Rajasthan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-10-21",
  "tags": [
    "Bikaner",
    "Mahajan",
    "Road Accident",
    "Sleeper Bus",
    "Rajasthan"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}