Tragic Fire Incident on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway :- A catastrophic fire erupted on Friday morning on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, resulting in the loss of five lives and injuries to over 35 individuals. The incident occurred near a petrol pump in Bhankrota area, when a truck laden with chemicals collided with other vehicles, leading to a massive blaze. The horrifying scene has left the local community in shock, as thick plumes of smoke rose from the burning vehicles.
Collision Sparks Inferno on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway
Preliminary reports indicate that the truck, which caused the collision, was carrying hazardous chemicals. The impact of the crash led to a series of explosions, engulfing multiple vehicles in flames. Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhankrota, Manish Gupta, described the situation as “extremely challenging” for emergency responders, with fire brigades initially unable to approach the burning vehicles. The exact number of trucks involved in the incident remains unclear, but eyewitness accounts and videos captured the devastating aftermath.
“The fire engulfed several trucks, and people with severe burn injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals in ambulances,” SHO Gupta said.
Widespread Impact on Traffic in Jaipur-Ajmer Highway
The accident caused significant disruptions, with a 300-meter stretch of the highway affected. Traffic came to a standstill as long queues of vehicles formed. Emergency services quickly established a traffic corridor to ensure that ambulances could transport the injured to the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur.
Jaipur District Magistrate Jitendra Soni confirmed that approximately 40 vehicles were damaged in the incident. He also stated that while the majority of the fire was brought under control, the situation posed a severe risk due to the presence of three petrol pumps in the vicinity. Fortunately, the petrol pumps were safeguarded from the blaze.
Emergency Response and Casualties in Jaipur-Ajmer Highway
More than 25 ambulances were deployed to the scene to evacuate victims. SMS Medical College Principal Dr. Deepak Maheshwari reported that around 24-25 individuals had been admitted to the ICU. “It is a severe accident with many injured. More people are being brought in,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma for updates on the incident. CM Sharma personally visited SMS Hospital to oversee the medical care being provided to the victims. He also expressed his condolences on social media, stating: “I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of casualties in the gas tanker fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. I have directed doctors to provide immediate medical attention to the injured. Rescue operations by the administration are ongoing.”
The Chief Minister’s message continued with prayers for the deceased and their grieving families, along with wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
Witness Accounts and Ongoing Investigations
Videos shared from a distance showcased the thick black smoke billowing from the accident site, underscoring the scale of the disaster. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the fire spreading rapidly due to the chemical load of the truck. Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision and to assess whether any safety violations contributed to the tragedy.
Another Fire Incident in Jaipur
In an unrelated fire incident earlier in the week, a blaze broke out on Wednesday evening at a market on MI Road in Jaipur. The fire, which gutted three shops, thankfully resulted in no casualties or injuries. According to Hawa Singh, SHO of Jalupura Police Station, the fire was reported around 8:15 PM. Locals promptly alerted authorities, and the fire department managed to bring the situation under control within an hour.
“The fire occurred in the car market area, affecting three shops. The extent of the financial loss is still being assessed,” SHO Singh said.
Community Reactions regarding Jaipur-Ajmer Highway
The twin fire incidents have raised concerns among Jaipur residents about safety measures, particularly in areas dealing with hazardous materials or dense commercial activity. While the fire on MI Road was swiftly contained, the devastating highway blaze highlights the need for stringent safety protocols for transporting hazardous goods and ensuring readiness of emergency services.
Conclusion
The tragic events on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway serve as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in managing hazardous materials and ensuring road safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing medical care to the injured and supporting the families of the deceased. The community’s resilience and the prompt actions of emergency services prevented an even greater disaster, but the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.