Jaipur, Dec. 20, 2024: A fiery collision involving a gas tanker and multiple vehicles on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway on Friday morning left seven dead, more than 35 injured, and over 30 vehicles charred. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, creating chaos on the highway as a 300-meter stretch turned into a burning inferno.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with flames visible from a kilometer away. “As I approached the site, I saw people screaming for help and running in panic. A man completely engulfed in flames was a sight I will never forget,” said a school van driver who was heading to pick up students.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Authorities reported that the fire initially engulfed vehicles and nearby establishments, while efforts to bring the blaze under control faced significant challenges. Bhankrota Station House Officer Manish Gupta stated, “Firefighters struggled to access the burning vehicles due to the intensity of the flames. Fortunately, nearby petrol pumps remained unaffected.”
Rajasthan health department officials confirmed seven fatalities and said the injured were rushed to SMS Hospital, with nearly half in critical condition. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said, “All doctors and nursing staff have been mobilized, and another ward has been opened to accommodate the patients. Primary treatment was provided at nearby hospitals before transferring critical cases.”
More than 25 ambulances were deployed to transport victims, while a ‘green corridor’ was created to ensure swift movement of emergency vehicles. Police said some victims were likely unable to escape their vehicles, and investigations are ongoing to confirm details.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited both the accident site and SMS Hospital, directing officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway gas tanker incident. Immediate treatment and care for the injured are my top priorities,” Sharma posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Khimsar informed reporters that details of passengers from a sleeper bus traveling behind the gas tanker are being verified. Efforts are also underway to clear the highway and resume traffic.
Governor Haribhau Bagade and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed their condolences to the victims’ families. District administration teams have been deployed at SMS Hospital to assist relatives of those affected.
Emergency Measures and Investigation
Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, present at the scene, said helpline numbers (9166347551, 8764688431, and 7300363636) were issued for inquiries related to the accident. Authorities have yet to confirm the extent of property damage along the highway, but they noted that the fire also impacted some establishments.
The highway remained closed as authorities worked to clear the charred remains of vehicles. The district administration and police are continuing their investigations, with a focus on determining the exact cause of the accident and ensuring the safety of the affected stretch.
While the rescue and recovery operations brought temporary order, eyewitness accounts and official reports painted a grim picture of chaos, fear, and devastation that unfolded in one of the year’s deadliest highway accidents.
