In a horrific incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, an LPG tanker-truck collision claimed the lives of 11 people, with many others left critically injured. The deadly crash took place early Friday morning, sparking a massive fire that engulfed 37 vehicles and nearby structures. The Rajasthan government has announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured.
The accident occurred around 5:30 am near a school. According to Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, the fire began after the outlet nozzle of the LPG tanker was damaged in the collision, resulting in a gas leak. This caused an immediate and violent fire, which spread quickly to the vehicles behind the tanker and to oncoming traffic.
A total of 43 people were rushed to hospitals, with seven in critical condition on ventilators. Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, the Principal of SMS Medical College, confirmed that 11 people had died. Five were declared dead upon arrival at SMS Hospital, while five more succumbed to their injuries during treatment. One additional death was reported from Jaipuria Hospital.
Eyewitness accounts paint a terrifying picture of the disaster. Passengers aboard a bus that caught fire recounted the panic and horror as explosions rang out one after another. One survivor described how they and others had to escape through a window, after the bus door became locked in the chaos. “The blasts were continuous, and there was fire everywhere,” the eyewitness said, recalling the moment of terror.
A school van driver, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, described flames visible from over a kilometer away. “It was a scene of utter panic. People were running, some on fire, others calling for help. Emergency responders struggled to reach the area initially,” he said. Other eyewitnesses reported seeing several people burn alive in their vehicles, as those unable to escape were caught in the inferno.
The Rajasthan government has expressed deep condolences for the victims, announcing financial support of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of transporting hazardous materials, with the accident resulting not only in loss of significant property damage but also life. The incident has left the community in shock, as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
