A tragic accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday morning turned the road into a scene of devastation, claiming the lives of at least 11 people and leaving over 40 others injured. CCTV footage from the site of the crash showed a gas tanker colliding with multiple vehicles, triggering a massive fire that swept across the highway and engulfed nearby properties.
The explosion and subsequent flames caused thick black smoke to billow into the sky, visible from nearly a kilometre away. The fire damaged at least 30 vehicles, including cars, trucks, and two-wheelers, as it spread rapidly across the area. A nearly 300-metre stretch of the highway was affected, causing a long queue of vehicles caught in the chaos.
In the aftermath of the explosion, ambulances and fire department vehicles were immediately dispatched to the accident site. Emergency responders worked swiftly to control the blaze, which had also spread to a nearby residence, leaving a trail of destruction.
A major concern now lies with a bus that was trailing the gas tanker at the time of the crash. Efforts are underway to ascertain the details of the passengers aboard the bus and determine the full extent of the damage. Authorities are also evaluating the impact of the fire on local establishments along the highway.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar visited SMS Hospital, where many of the injured have been admitted for treatment. Khimsar reported that nearly half of the injured are in critical condition, prompting the establishment of a ‘green corridor’ to expedite the transfer of patients from the accident site to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support, with authorities continuing to assess the scale of the disaster. Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing, while rescue operations remain in full swing.
Sources By Agencies
