Tragedy Strikes Jaipur-Ajmer Highway: Eight Dead, Over 35 Injured in Gas Tanker Blaze

A catastrophic incident unfolded on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway early Friday morning, as a gas tanker collided with multiple vehicles, resulting in a devastating fire that claimed the lives of eight individuals and left more than 35 others injured. The collision turned the busy stretch of highway into a scene of chaos and destruction, with over 30 vehicles engulfed in flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from nearly a kilometer away. Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the disaster. A school van driver, who was en route to pick up students, described the horror of witnessing a man engulfed in flames, amidst scenes of panic as bystanders shouted for help. The scale of the incident prompted an immediate response from emergency services, with ambulances and fire brigades rushing to the scene to battle the flames and assist the injured. Preliminary reports from the Rajasthan health department confirmed the tragic death toll, while police officials indicated that some victims may have been trapped inside their vehicles, complicating the recovery efforts. The full extent of the casualties will become clearer as crews continue to inspect the wreckage. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, along with Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, promptly visited the SMS Hospital where the injured have been admitted. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Sharma expressed his sorrow over the incident and assured that all necessary medical assistance would be provided to those affected. Following discussions with hospital officials, he monitored the treatment procedures in place. Minister Khimsar provided further updates, revealing that several of the injured were in critical condition. In response to the high volume of casualties, additional medical staff were called in, and a new ward was opened to accommodate the influx of patients. Some individuals received preliminary care at nearby hospitals before being transferred to SMS Hospital for more extensive treatment. As the fire department worked to extinguish the flames, efforts were also underway to clear the highway of the charred vehicles to restore traffic flow. Approximately 300 meters of the highway were affected, resulting in significant delays and a long queue of vehicles attempting to navigate the aftermath of the crash. The incident also impacted nearby establishments along the highway, though authorities are still assessing the financial ramifications of the fire. The school van driver’s account of the scene highlighted the panic and urgency that engulfed the area as people sought safety and assistance. In an effort to support the families of the victims and provide information to those seeking answers, the Jaipur Police have established helpline numbers for public inquiries. Meanwhile, a team from the district administration is on-site at the hospital to assist relatives of those affected by this tragic event. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating collision, the focus remains on aiding the injured and remembering those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.