Jaipur, December 20, 2024: An unfortunate accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highroad at the early hours of Friday morning, fueling an enormous fire, resulted in no less than nine deaths, while over 40 sustained injuries with 15 others reported to be in critical condition.
This involved a gas tanker crashing into multiple vehicles near a petrol pump, which immediately turned into mortar with flames blazing through a major stretch along the highway.
The CCTV footage from the area captured the disturbing incidents after the crash. The video shows the flames rapidly engulfing a nearby structure rising in thick black smoke toward the sky. An explosion occurred shortly after, aggravating the flames and causing an uproar among the onlookers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire was visible from almost a kilometer away, with flames affecting an approximately 300-meter stretch of the highway.
Deaths and Serious Injuries
At least nine people killed in a devastating fire: of the injured, 15 suffered life-threatening burns- attested by over 50% of their bodies. With nearly 43 persons needing hospital admission, many continue to remain in critical condition.
The intensity of the fire led many vehicles to be reduced to ash, hampering rescue operations.
Eyewitness Accounts
Survivors and witnesses gave graphic descriptions of the chaos they had encountered during the attack. One person said that he had to break the window of the bus to leap out; he emphasized the suddenness of the explosion.
Another witness, a school van driver, described seeing a man ablaze and termed the situation a very “terrifying scene” with people running and screaming for help.
Rescue Services
Ambulances and fire engines reached the place promptly. It was however difficult for them to operate because of the intensity of the fire and the rise in traffic congestion. A rescue operation has been ubiquitous, and the focus was shifted on ensuring timely treatment for the victims.
A ‘green corridor’ was opened to enable the fast delivery of the injured to the SMS Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, declaring a payment of rupees two lakhs for each channel next of kin of the deceased and rupees five lakhs for each man received from the fund by the Prime Minister.
“Deeply saddened by this unfortunate loss of lives in an accident at the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway in Rajasthan. Sorry for the loss of life among the loved ones. Wish them all a speedy recovery,” he stated.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed sorrow over the incident, confirming that he had spoken with the Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajanlal Sharma.
He assured that the local administration was taking every possible effort to treat the injured promptly and wished them soon for speedy recovery.
Inquiry and instituted facilities
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma today ordered an inquiry into the incident to ascertain the cause of the approach collision and the fire caused thereafter. He said, “strong steps need to be taken against this.
He has also directed officers to examine the safety protocols of the transport that carry dangerous goods. Besides, financial aid has been declared for the victims and their families.
