Jaipur witnessed a catastrophic fire early this morning when a collision involving a chemical-laden truck outside a petrol pump triggered a massive explosion, killing at least seven people and leaving over 40 injured. The incident occurred around 5:30 am on Ajmer Road when a CNG tanker parked near the petrol pump caught fire after a truck collided with other vehicles.
The impact of the explosion was so intense that it engulfed several vehicles within a 300-meter radius, including numerous trucks parked nearby. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the blast from as far as 10 kilometers away, and multiple fuel tanks reportedly burst in succession, exacerbating the scale of the fire. Visuals from the site showed a towering blaze and thick black smoke visible from kilometers away. Officials revealed that at least 28 of the injured are in critical condition, with victims being rushed to nearby hospitals. Rescue and firefighting operations are underway to control the blaze and prevent further casualties.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the chemical-loaded truck that caused the collision may have intensified the fire’s ferocity. The number of trucks involved remains unclear, but the Station House Officer of Bhankrota, Manish Gupta, confirmed that several burn victims have been transported to hospitals by ambulances. The fire has also destroyed numerous vehicles parked near the petrol pump, underscoring the extensive damage caused by the incident.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma promptly visited SMS Hospital to meet the injured and oversee relief efforts. Expressing his condolences, the Chief Minister assured that the administration is taking all necessary steps to provide medical care and support to the victims and their families. In a statement shared on X, he described the incident as “deeply saddening” and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to the Chief Minister to discuss the situation and expressed concern over the tragedy. Both leaders emphasized the need for efficient rescue efforts and comprehensive support for the affected families. Emergency services and the local administration remain on high alert as firefighters work tirelessly to extinguish the flames and assess the extent of the damage.
The incident has left Jaipur residents shaken, marking one of the most devastating accidents on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway in recent memory. The situation remains under close observation as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
