A tragic gas tanker accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway has claimed 11 lives and left 28 people hospitalized, with several in critical condition. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning around 5:30 AM, involved a parked CNG tanker catching fire after being struck by a truck, leading to a chain reaction of explosions and fires.
Key Details of the Incident
- Casualties and Injuries
- Five individuals were declared dead upon arrival at SMS Medical College and Hospital in Jaipur.
- Five more succumbed to injuries during treatment, and another fatality was reported at Jaipuria Hospital.
- Of the injured, 27 are receiving treatment at SMS Hospital, while one has been admitted to a private hospital.
- Eyewitness Accounts
- Witnesses described harrowing scenes, with continuous explosions and flames engulfing the area. A survivor recounted escaping through a bus window after the door became jammed due to the fire.
- Compensation Announcements
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the deceased’s families and ₹50,000 for the injured.
- The Rajasthan government pledged ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured.
- Emergency Response
- Authorities established a ‘green corridor’ to ensure swift transport of victims from the accident site to SMS Hospital.
- Firefighting teams battled to contain the blaze, which spread across a 300-meter stretch of the highway.
- Impact on the Local Area
- The accident caused severe traffic congestion, prompting diversions and delays.
- Locals reported eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and the discovery of dead birds in the vicinity due to the thick smoke.
This catastrophic accident underscores the critical need for stricter safety measures and better emergency response protocols for hazardous materials. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
