Jaipur Fire Incident : 11 Dead, Over 40 Injured as Trucks Collide Outside Petrol Pump

A Devastating Fire on Ajmer Road

In a tragic Jaipur Fire incident early this morning, at least 11 people lost their lives, and over 40 individuals were injured after a massive fire broke out following a truck collision near a petrol pump on Ajmer Road, Jaipur. The incident occurred around 5:30 AM when a CNG tanker parked near the petrol station caught fire after being hit by a truck.

The fire quickly escalated, engulfing several vehicles nearby and causing multiple explosions, sending plumes of black smoke high into the sky. The sheer intensity of the explosion has left many critically injured, with rescue efforts currently underway.

Details of the Incident

• Time and Location: The accident occurred at around 5:30 AM on Ajmer Road, Jaipur.
• Cause: A truck, reportedly loaded with chemicals, collided with other vehicles parked near a petrol pump, sparking a massive fire.
• Casualties:
  • Deaths: At least 11 confirmed so far.
  • Injuries: Over 40 injured, with 28 in critical condition.
• Extent of Damage:
  • Vehicles within a 300-meter radius were engulfed in flames.
  • Multiple fuel tanks reportedly exploded, amplifying the damage.
  • The explosion was heard up to 10 kilometers away, according to local witnesses.

Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, reached the scene promptly to manage the blaze and assist the victims. Authorities are working tirelessly to extinguish the fire and evacuate those affected.

• Visuals from the Scene: Footage of the incident shows a massive inferno with towering flames and dense clouds of black smoke visible from kilometers away.
• Rescue Efforts: Victims with burn injuries are being rushed to hospitals, with most receiving treatment at the SMS Hospital in Jaipur.

Officials’ Statements and Reactions

Police and Preliminary Investigations

Manish Gupta, Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhankrota, confirmed the incident and stated:

“The fire has engulfed several trucks. The number of trucks involved in the incident is not clear. Some people with burn injuries have been rushed to hospitals in ambulances.”

Initial investigations suggest that the truck involved was carrying chemicals, which likely intensified the fire.

Prime Minister and Chief Minister Respond

The incident has drawn nationwide attention, with leaders expressing their condolences and announcing relief measures for the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences and announced financial assistance:

• Compensation: ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
• ₹50,000 for the injured.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet the injured and directed immediate medical care for the victims.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“I am deeply saddened to hear the sad news of casualties of citizens in the gas tanker fire incident on Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. The administration is conducting rescue operations, and I have instructed doctors to provide all necessary care to the injured.”

President and Union Home Minister React

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her grief over the tragedy:

“The news of the death of many people due to a road accident in Jaipur is very painful. My deepest condolences to the families! I pray that the injured get well soon.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the Rajasthan Chief Minister to assess the situation and expressed concern over the incident.

Eyewitness Accounts and Impact

Locals described the explosion as “terrifying” and reported hearing loud blasts from as far as 10 kilometers away. Many vehicles parked nearby were burned entirely due to the chain of explosions caused by bursting fuel tanks.

• Eyewitness Report:“It felt like an earthquake when the blast happened. The fire spread so quickly that no one had time to react,” said a local resident.
• Drivers Affected: Many truck drivers resting at the petrol pump were severely injured, with some reportedly in critical condition.

Relief and Compensation Measures

• PMO Announcement:
  • ₹2 lakh compensation for families of the deceased.
  • ₹50,000 compensation for the injured.
• State Government: Immediate medical care and rescue efforts are being prioritized by local authorities and hospital staff.

A Tragedy That Calls for Safety Measures

The tragic fire incident on Jaipur’s Ajmer Road serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures near petrol pumps and highways. With at least 11 lives lost and dozens battling critical injuries, the focus remains on rescue operations, medical care for survivors, and providing support to affected families.

As investigations continue, it is imperative that authorities address safety lapses to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.