 "Jaipur petrol pump fire: Truck collision claims 11 lives, several injured")
A collision involving an LPG tanker and multiple vehicles turned a busy stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno early Friday morning, leaving at least 11 dead and over 30 vehicles engulfed in flames. Around 35 people sustained injuries, with nearly half reported to be in critical condition, reported news agency PTI.
Massive blaze and immediate chaos
The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 am near a school. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph revealed that the crash caused the tanker's outlet nozzle to rupture, leading to a gas leak that ignited a massive fire. "Vehicles behind the tanker were engulfed in flames. Other vehicles coming from the opposite directions also caught fire and collided," he said.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the fire spread rapidly, leaving no time for nearby vehicles to evacuate. Local residents reported seeing people desperately trying to escape their vehicles, some removing flaming clothing as they ran for safety.
Flames and thick black smoke were visible from nearly a kilometer away, and a long line of stranded vehicles added to the chaos. Watch Jaipur fire accident Video: 5 dead, 37 injured after truck collision near petrol pump
Emergency response
More than 25 ambulances rushed the injured to SMS Medical College in Jaipur. Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, the hospital's principal, confirmed the fatalities and warned the toll could rise.
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, who visited the site and hospital, described the situation as "grim." He also assured reporters, “All doctors, resident doctors, and nursing staff were called in to manage the situation. Another ward has been opened to accommodate patients.” A 'green corridor' was set up to facilitate the swift transport of the injured.
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Casualties and condolences
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the site and hospital, issuing immediate directives to ensure the best care for the injured. "Deeply saddened to hear the news of casualties," he later wrote in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter, pledging support to those affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, announcing ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Investigations underway
Officials from the regional transport office and Forensic Science Laboratory collected evidence to determine the cause of the incident. Local police suspect some victims may still be trapped in their vehicles, with a full investigation pending.
Fire brigades struggled to control the blaze initially. "Fire brigade teams were unable to reach the vehicles burning at the center of the highway," said Bhankrota Station House Officer Manish Gupta. Despite the proximity of three petrol pumps, authorities confirmed these were unharmed.
Eyewitness accounts
A school van driver, en route to pick up students, recounted the harrowing sight of a man engulfed in flames. "As I got closer, I saw people running and shouting for help. It was a frightening scene," he told PTI.
Local residents reported experiencing eye irritation and breathing difficulties due to the thick smoke. Nearby, several birds were found dead.
Government action
Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa and Minister of State for Home Jawahwar Singh Bedham visited the accident site, while other senior leaders, including Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, offered condolences.
Rajasthan Congress Chief Govind Singh Dotasra emphasised the need for stronger safety measures. "Such incidents should not happen again. The government must form a high-level committee to take concrete action,” he said. (With agency input)