A devastating LPG tanker explosion on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway early Friday morning has left at least eight people dead and many others with severe burn injuries. The explosion occurred after a collision between a CNG tanker and a truck, which set off a chain reaction, causing around 40 vehicles to catch fire. As a result, 39 individuals were admitted to SMS Hospital, many of whom suffered critical injuries.
The explosion took place near a petrol pump, prompting a massive emergency response. Over 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, where firefighting operations continue. Traffic on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway has been diverted due to the incident.
Jaipur District Magistrate Jitendra Soni confirmed the tragic toll, reporting that four people initially died, with additional fatalities expected as the aftermath unfolds. Emergency crews worked relentlessly to rescue individuals trapped in their vehicles, including those in a passenger bus, with the help of fire brigades, civil defense teams, and local residents.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet with the injured, while Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar provided updates on the medical response. Khimsar assured that the hospital had enough capacity for burn victims, with an additional 40-bed ward set up to accommodate the influx of injured individuals.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities unsure whether the nearby petrol pump was involved in the blaze. Visuals from the scene show charred vehicles still blocking the road as emergency teams work to clear the wreckage.
