11 killed after truck carrying chemicals hits cars in Jaipur-Ajmer highway
The incident took place after a truck lost control and hit several other vehicles in traffic including a tanker carrying chemicals that immediately had a blast and caught fire in the area
At least eleven people were burnt alive while 36 others were injured after a massive fire that broke out following a collision of trucks near a petrol pump on Ajmer highway in Jaipur, said officials familiar with the matter.
“The incident took place when the truck was taking a U-Turn, lost control, and hit several other vehicles in the traffic including a tanker carrying LPG gas that immediately had a blast and caught fire in the area. So far, at least eleven people were burnt to death while 30 others were undergoing treatment in a critical condition. They were rushed to a few nearby hospitals from where all were referred to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital. More people are expected to be recovered as a rescue operation is underway,” stated the Bhankrota SHO Manish Gupta.
According to officials, the incident took place at around 6:30am near the Delhi Public School.
“The blast caused a massive fire that engulfed the entire area including a pipe factory and a petrol pump while 40 other vehicles including 20 others CNG cars and a sleeper bus were also burnt. The chemicals from the tanker were also spread across the area. At least 30 fire brigade teams are currently deployed to distinguish the fire,” said the officer.
An official from the SMS emergency ward said, “At least 2 people died on the spot while 2 others died in the burn ward of the hospital during treatment. So far, we have received 36 more people- all of whom sustained critical burn injuries with over 50% burn on average. Treatment is underway.”
The SMS College superintendent Sushil Bhat said, “At least 6 patients are in ventilation while 12 are critical with over 60% burn injuries.“
A first information report (FIR) was also lodged under section 281 Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for negligence in driving. “It is yet not clear what are negligence led to this mishap. Further investigation is underway.”
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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of ₹2,00,000 to each of the families of the deceased from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the PMO stated in a post on X.
Union home minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the CM Sharma over a phonecall in the morning about the situation.
“The road accident that happened in Jaipur, Rajasthan is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. I spoke to the Rajasthan CM Sharma. The local administration is working to provide immediate treatment to the injured. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah said on X.
Former CM Ashok Gehlot had condoled the incident on his official X account.
“It’s a worrisome situation. My condolences to all the family members of the deceased in this incident”, he wrote.