New Delhi: A horrific collision involving a tanker truck on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has resulted in a devastating loss of life. The incident, which occurred on Friday, initially involved a chemical-laden truck colliding with an LPG tanker, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles. The death toll, initially reported as 13, has risen to 14, as confirmed by Jaipur’s DCP West, Amit Kumar.
The accident unfolded near a petrol pump in the Bhankrota area. Nearly two dozen vehicles became engulfed in flames, leaving several trucks and trolleys reduced to ashes. The fire, which took firefighters over seven hours to bring under control, was described as “horrific” by DCP Kumar. “The accident and subsequent fire occurred early today in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur on the main Ajmer Road. Nearly two dozen vehicles caught fire, and many trucks and trolleys were reduced to ashes. The accident took place near a petrol pump.” He added, “The fire started due to a collision involving several vehicles one after the other. Efforts are being made to extinguish the fire,” Kumar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The initial impact caused a chain reaction, involving several vehicles one after another.
Among the casualties were passengers of a sleeper bus caught in the inferno. In total, approximately 30 people were injured, with over 60 per cent suffering from severe burns. Around 28 patients were admitted to SMS Hospital alone, with six requiring ventilator support, according to SMS Hospital Superintendent Dr Sushil Kumar Bhati. Dr Deepak Maheshwari, Principal of SMS Medical College, provided earlier updates, confirming the initial death toll 13.
The Bhankrota Police Station’s Station House Officer, Manish Gupta, described the chaotic scene, emphasising the difficulties in controlling the rapidly spreading fire due to the sheer number of vehicles involved. The vehicles involved hailed from various states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana. While the road has been cleared of the wreckage, it remains closed to traffic.
“It was dark when it happened and it was difficult to see what was happening. But later we came to know an LPG tanker had collided with a truck,” Gupta had said on Friday adding “There were so many vehicles that by the time we brought one under control, the others had already caught on fire. All damaged vehicles have been cleared from the road but it hasn’t been opened to traffic. The route will be opened late night.”
The incident has drawn the attention of the country’s highest office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims through a statement on X and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the bereaved families and Rs 50,000 for the injured.”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.” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra visited the injured in the hospitals, offering support and assistance in the wake of the tragedy.
