Jaipur: 14 Died and 80 Injured in LPG Tanker and Truck Collision Blast
A deadly LPG tanker crash on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway on 20th December 2024 killed 14 and injured 80, triggering investigations into road safety.
A horrific accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway in Bhankrota on 20th December 2024 claimed the lives of 14 people and left 80 others injured, with 30 in critical condition. The incident occurred early in the morning, around 5:30 am, when an LPG tanker making a U-turn collided with a truck. The crash triggered a gas leak, which led to a massive explosion and fire, engulfing more than 37 vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames rising up to 300 meters, with thick black smoke filling the sky. Many people were seen running from their burning vehicles, some even tearing off their clothes to escape the flames. Local residents, including 20-year-old farmer Rakesh Saini, rushed to help the victims, using ladders to rescue those who were trapped by the flames.
Ambulances and fire brigades were quickly deployed to the site, and a green corridor was established to rush the injured to hospitals. By 21st December, the death toll had risen to 14, with five victims unidentifiable due to severe burns.
Initial investigations by the Jaipur Police confirmed that the LPG tanker’s outlet nozzle was damaged during the collision, leading to the rapid gas leak and explosion. The Rajasthan Health Department and local authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the injured, and both state and central governments announced financial aid to the victims’ families. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also pointed to the absence of a cloverleaf road as a major factor in the accident. The Rajasthan High Court has demanded answers from the state government regarding delays in constructing this road.
The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has now ordered a detailed investigation into the incident and the conditions of the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. Reports are expected by 20th January 2025.
