Jaipur 20, December 2024: A devastating accident occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway near Bhankrota, Jaipur, when a chemical-laden truck collided with multiple vehicles near a petrol pump. The incident took place around 5:30 AM. The accident led to an explosion, causing a huge fire that engulfed over 40 vehicles, including cars and other trucks, parked near the fuel station.
Emergency services reported that 7 individuals were charred to death at the scene. Additionally, 37 people sustained injuries of varying degrees, with several in critical condition. The injured were immediately transported to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, where medical teams provided urgent care. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the hospital to meet the injured and ensure they received adequate treatment.
Upon receiving details of the incident, multiple fire tenders and rescue teams were dispatched to the site. Firefighters fought the fire for several hours before it was brought under control. The Jaipur-Ajmer highway is temporarily closed to facilitate rescue operations and ensure public safety. Traffic is being diverted to alternative routes, leading to significant disruptions for commuters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation. One bystander recounted, “The explosion was so powerful that it shook nearby buildings. Flames and thick black smoke flooded the area, making it difficult to see or breathe.” Another witness mentioned, “People were screaming and running for safety. It was a horrifying sight.”
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating,
“I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of citizens losing their lives in the gas tanker fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway.”
He assured that the state government would provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families and directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar and Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa also visited the hospital to oversee the treatment of the injured. Minister Khimsar stated,
“We have made a dedicated ICU in the hospital. Prima facie, it seems the accident happened due to a collision between a truck and a container of CNG. There have been casualties. The administration is here. The government will provide necessary help to the deceased people’s families.”
Initial investigations suggest that the chemical-laden truck lost control and collided with a stationary CNG container near the petrol pump, leading to the explosion and subsequent fire. Authorities examine whether negligence, overspeeding, or mechanical failure contributed to the accident. The exact number of vehicles involved is still unclear, and forensic teams are working to identify the deceased.
This incident has raised serious concerns about highway safety protocols, especially concerning the transportation of hazardous materials. To prevent such tragedies in the future, stringent regulations and routine inspections must be implemented. The state government has announced plans to review and enhance safety measures for vehicles carrying dangerous goods to mitigate future risks.
