A tragic incident unfolded early this morning on Ajmer Road, Jaipur, as a devastating fire claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and left more than 40 others injured. The blaze was triggered by a collision involving a truck and multiple vehicles outside a petrol pump. The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. when a parked CNG tanker caught fire after being struck during the collision.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Authorities have confirmed that 28 of the injured are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll might increase. Emergency teams are currently engaged in extinguishing the flames, which have consumed several nearby vehicles. Rescue operations are in full swing, with victims being transported to hospitals for urgent medical care.
The intensity of the explosion was catastrophic, engulfing vehicles within a 300-meter radius. Eyewitness accounts describe a towering blaze accompanied by a thick cloud of black smoke visible from several kilometers away. Local residents reported hearing the explosion up to 10 kilometers from the site. Repeated smaller explosions followed as fuel tanks from various vehicles ignited, adding to the devastation.
Chemical-Laden Truck Involved
Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck responsible for the collision was carrying chemicals, further exacerbating the fire’s ferocity. Station House Officer Manish Gupta of Bhankrota Police Station stated that the exact number of trucks involved remains uncertain. “Several burn victims have already been rushed to hospitals by ambulance,” he noted.
Government Response
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet the injured and offered condolences to the bereaved families. In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that all necessary medical care was being provided to the victims. “Rescue operations are ongoing, and the local administration is fully engaged in managing the crisis,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also contacted the Chief Minister to assess the situation and extended his concerns over the tragic incident. The coordinated efforts of emergency services and local authorities aim to mitigate further casualties and bring the situation under control.
Community Impact
The horrific accident has left the Jaipur community in shock. Visuals from the scene show the charred remains of vehicles and the aftermath of the inferno. This tragedy highlights the critical need for stringent safety measures, especially around hazardous materials and high-risk areas like fuel stations.
Investigations into the cause of the collision and subsequent explosions are ongoing. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.
