The driver of the LPG tanker that triggered a devastating fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and leaving 23 others injured, has survived the incident and is now under investigation. Police have identified the driver as Jaiveer, a resident of Mathura, and have summoned him to Jaipur for questioning.
According to police officer Manish Kumar, Jaiveer was quick to react after the tanker collided with a truck around 5:30 am. Upon impact, the driver jumped off the truck and began running towards Jaipur. By the time the gas started leaking and the massive explosion occurred, Jaiveer had already moved far enough from the danger zone. His quick thinking likely saved his life. After the crash, Jaiveer reportedly contacted the tanker’s owner to inform him of the accident. Authorities are hopeful that questioning the driver will provide more insights into the incident.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The horrific incident occurred when the LPG tanker, while making a U-turn on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, collided with an oncoming truck loaded with bedsheets. The collision caused the tanker’s nozzles and safety valves to break, triggering a gas leak. Moments later, a massive explosion took place, engulfing nearby vehicles in flames. Many victims did not have time to escape, as the fire spread rapidly.
Road safety experts have identified several contributing factors that may have led to the tragedy. The area where the accident occurred is known for poor traffic management due to ongoing construction. Experts suggest that the temporary U-turn, which was created to ease traffic during construction, may have been a dangerous hazard, especially for large vehicles like tankers. The lack of proper lighting and safety markers at the intersection also compounded the risks, making it difficult for drivers to navigate the area safely, particularly during low visibility conditions in the winter months.
Identifying the Cause: Is the Driver to Blame?
Authorities are now investigating whether the driver’s actions or road conditions were the primary causes of the accident. Safety experts suggest that the road layout and the lack of clear signage contributed to the incident, while others have raised concerns over the integrity of the tanker’s safety valves. Tankers carrying hazardous materials are typically designed to withstand impacts, yet the fact that the nozzles broke off during this collision has raised questions about the tanker’s safety standards. Investigators are now seeking the fitness certificates of the tanker and details of the LPG it was carrying at the time.
While the driver fled the scene out of fear of an explosion, some have suggested that he was following protocol. Drivers of petroleum-carrying vehicles are trained in emergency procedures, including the use of fire extinguishers and immediate evacuation in the event of a leak. However, experts caution against prematurely placing blame on the driver until a thorough investigation has been conducted.
Road Safety Concerns Highlighted
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures in India. Road safety experts have emphasized the necessity for better traffic management, clearer signage, and proper lighting at intersections, especially in construction zones. “The Jaipur-Ajmer highway is an accident-prone area, and this incident highlights the dangerous conditions created by incomplete construction and poor traffic sense,” said George Cheriyan, a prominent figure in India’s Road Safety Network.
Dr. Prerna Arora Singh, a road safety expert, also pointed out that the narrow width of the intersection may have contributed to the accident. When large vehicles, like the tanker and truck, pass through, they block the road entirely, creating further risks for other drivers.
As the investigation continues, authorities hope to determine the full extent of the causes behind this deadly incident and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Sources By Agencies
