A devastating collision involving an LPG tanker and multiple vehicles turned a section of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into a fiery scene early Friday, claiming at least 11 lives and engulfing over 30 vehicles in flames. Around 35 people sustained injuries, with nearly half in critical condition, according to news agency PTI.
The accident occurred around 5:45 am near a school. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph stated that the tanker’s outlet nozzle ruptured upon impact, causing a gas leak that triggered a massive fire. “Vehicles trailing the tanker were consumed by the flames, and others from the opposite direction also caught fire and collided,” he explained.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter panic as the fire spread rapidly, giving those nearby little time to react. Residents saw people scrambling to escape their vehicles, some removing burning clothes as they fled for safety.
Thick black smoke and towering flames were visible from nearly a kilometer away, with a long queue of stranded vehicles adding to the chaos.
Over 25 ambulances transported the injured to SMS Medical College in Jaipur. Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, the hospital’s principal, confirmed the fatalities and warned that the death toll might increase.
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, who visited the site and hospital, called the situation “grim.” He assured reporters, “All medical staff, including doctors and nurses, have been mobilized, and an additional ward has been opened to treat patients.” A ‘green corridor’ was created to expedite the injured’s transport.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the accident site and hospital, issuing directives for the best possible care for victims. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives,” he later wrote in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter, while pledging full support to those affected.