Jaipur: A tragic accident took place early Friday morning on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Bhankrota, Rajasthan. A LPG tanker, traveling from Ajmer to Jaipur, stopped near Delhi Public School and attempted to take a U-turn. Meanwhile, a speeding truck from Jaipur collided with the tanker. The collision triggered a massive explosion, leading to a devastating fire that spread across the highway.
The explosion caused the fire to spread rapidly, affecting around 42 vehicles, including sleeper buses, trucks and private cars. Passengers in a sleeper bus caught in the fire ran to save their lives, but many vehicles behind it also collided and caught fire. Black smoke and flames could be seen from several kilometers away, creating panic in the area.
Casualties and injuries
Eight people were burnt alive in the horrific fire and 42 others suffered injuries. Many of the injured have severe burns, with some sustaining over 70% burns. The injured were rushed to SMS Hospital in Jaipur, where doctors are closely monitoring their treatment.
The fire was so intense that it spread to a nearby plastic pipe factory, reducing it to ashes. A petrol pump near the accident site also caught fire but was controlled before it caused further damage.
Rescue operations
Over 20 fire brigade vehicles were deployed to extinguish the fire, which raged for hours and covered a 500-meter stretch of the highway. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to gas leakage from the tanker. They used masks to protect themselves from the toxic fumes while continuing their rescue efforts.
Local residents and the Civil Defense team worked together to rescue the injured and transport them to safety. Traffic on the highway was stopped for a 2-kilometer stretch to aid the rescue and firefighting operations.
Witness accounts of blast
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as similar to a bomb blast. Many reported hearing loud bangs and seeing flames engulf vehicles and buildings. Chaos ensued as people trapped in vehicles tried to escape while others ran to save their lives.
Government’s response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident in Jaipur. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” tweeted PMO India.
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 20, 2024
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet the injured and assess the situation. Medical Minister Gajendra Singh also visited the hospital to ensure proper treatment for the victims.
जयपुर-अजमेर राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग पर गैस टैंकर में आग लगने की घटना में नागरिकों के हताहत होने का दुःखद समाचार सुनकर मन अत्यंत व्यथित है।
घटना की सूचना मिलते ही एसएमएस अस्पताल जाकर चिकित्सकों को तत्काल आवश्यक चिकित्सा सुविधाएं उपलब्ध कराने एवं घायलों की समुचित देखभाल हेतु निर्देशित… pic.twitter.com/bIpNI7xT7y
— Bhajanlal Sharma (@BhajanlalBjp) December 20, 2024
Initial investigations suggest negligence on the part of the drivers of the truck and the LPG tanker. The police are conducting a detailed inquiry into the accident to determine the exact cause.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to get information about the Rajasthan fire incident that resulted in the death of eight people.
