JAIPUR, Dec 20: A catastrophic fire broke out on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday following a collision involving an LPG tanker and several other vehicles, resulting in at least eight fatalities and over 35 injuries. The explosion triggered a massive blaze that engulfed more than 30 vehicles, turning the highway into an inferno. Nearly half of the injured are in critical condition, according to Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar.
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, present at the crash site, explained that the collision damaged the outlet nozzle of the LPG tanker, causing a gas leak that led to the fire. Vehicles in the vicinity were quickly consumed by flames, including those coming from the opposite direction. The fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for people to escape from their vehicles. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke from nearly a kilometer away and described horrifying scenes of people fleeing their vehicles, some engulfed in flames.
The injured were transported to the SMS Medical College in Jaipur in over 25 ambulances. Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, the principal of the medical college, confirmed the deaths, with the casualty count expected to rise as the investigation continues. Authorities also suspect that some victims were unable to escape in time, leading to further fatalities.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Health Minister Khimsar visited the hospital and the accident site. The chief minister issued a statement expressing his sorrow and directed that proper medical facilities be provided to the injured. Khimsar added that a ‘green corridor’ had been set up to expedite the transfer of injured individuals to the hospital. Efforts were also underway to identify the passengers of a private sleeper bus that was behind the LPG tanker at the time of the accident.
The fire was initially difficult to control, as fire brigade teams struggled to reach the burning vehicles. However, additional fire tenders were brought in to contain the blaze. A forensic team is investigating the cause of the accident, and vehicles are being cleared from the highway to restore traffic flow.
The incident, which occurred around 5:45 AM in front of a school, has sparked concerns over highway safety. Local residents reported issues like eye irritation and breathing problems due to the smoke, and some birds were found dead nearby. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, Minister of State for Home Jawahwar Singh Bedham, and several political figures visited the site and the hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade have expressed their condolences and offered financial support to the victims’ families. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
