Eight people were killed, and dozens were injured following a catastrophic explosion involving an LPG tanker on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway early Friday morning. The accident occurred near a petrol pump when an LPG tanker collided with a truck, leading to a fiery blast that engulfed approximately 40 vehicles.
The aftermath of the explosion saw 39 people rushed to the SMS Hospital in Jaipur with severe burn injuries. According to visuals from the scene, rescue operations continued amidst charred vehicles stranded on the highway.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital to meet the injured. He expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of casualties in the gas tanker fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. As soon as the information about the incident came, I went to the SMS Hospital and directed the doctors there to provide immediate necessary medical facilities and take proper care of the injured.”
Extensive Rescue and Relief Efforts
The accident occurred around 5:30 AM, sparking immediate rescue efforts. Teams from the fire brigade, civil defense, police, and local residents worked together to save individuals trapped in vehicles, including passengers on a nearby bus. Over 20 fire engines were dispatched to contain the flames, and traffic on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway was diverted to ensure the safety of commuters.
The extensive relief efforts were supported by Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, who revealed, “Around 5 beds are left in our critical burn ward. We have prepared another ward of 40 beds. The police team and administration team are active there. The traffic corridor has been completely open so that injured people can come to SMS Hospital. According to the police and administration, a maximum number of people have already reached the hospital. The blast in the LPG container was massive. We are not sure if the petrol pump caught fire or not.”
Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the urgent need for stringent safety protocols. The scale of the explosion and its proximity to a petrol pump amplified the devastation, raising concerns about infrastructure safety along major highways.
While authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision and subsequent explosion, the tragedy underscores the importance of swift emergency response systems and public safety measures.
Conclusion
The Jaipur-Ajmer Highway tragedy is a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers on our roads. With rescue operations ongoing and investigations underway, authorities must address safety gaps to prevent such incidents in the future. Let’s extend support to the victims and their families in these trying times.
