The death toll in the Jaisalmer sleeper bus fire tragedy has risen to 21. A 10-year-old boy, who had suffered severe burn injuries, succumbed to his injuries this morning during treatment. According to the administration of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jodhpur, the condition of five injured persons remains critical. Meanwhile, DNA samples are being collected in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer hospitals to establish the identity of the victims, as several bodies were badly charred and beyond recognition.

Dr. Fateh Singh Bhati, Superintendent of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jodhpur, said that the identification process may take up to 24 hours. It may be recalled that the tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon when a private AC sleeper bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire due to a suspected short circuit in the air-conditioning system. Nineteen passengers were burnt to death on the spot, while two others died during treatment. Around 15 injured passengers are undergoing treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur. Officials said that most of the victims belong to Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and nearby districts.