Devastation Before Diwali: Jitesh Chauhan's Last Call and the Tragedy of the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Bus Fire

Jitesh Chauhan, an employee at the Ramgarh Power Plant, eagerly boarded an AC sleeper bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, planning to join his family for Diwali celebrations. His last phone call to his wife was filled with the simple anticipation of returning home — a call that has now become an irreplaceable memory.

Moments after he boarded, tragedy struck. A devastating fire broke out on the bus due to a short circuit, turning the vehicle into a deathtrap. As news of the fire flashed across television screens, Jitesh’s wife desperately tried calling him, her hope fading with every unanswered ring.

The family rushed to the Jodhpur hospital after learning of the accident. Despite searching among the survivors, there was no sign of Jitesh. Hospital corridors echoed with grief as the scale of loss became clear — at least 20 people had died, many burned beyond recognition. Jitesh’s brother, Gajesh Chauhan, revealed with a heavy heart that now only DNA testing could identify Jitesh’s remains.

What should have been a joyful Diwali reunion has turned into a time of immense sorrow. The tragedy left behind not just 20 lost lives, but countless broken families and dreams. Jitesh’s wife will forever remember his last words from the bus — a final call home, now a lasting echo of loss.