Massive Chemical Truck Fire Claims Five Lives, Injures Over 35 on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway

A tragic accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Bhankrota area early Friday morning left five people dead and over 35 injured after a truck carrying hazardous chemicals collided with other vehicles and ignited a massive fire near a petrol pump.

The collision occurred when a truck loaded with chemicals rammed into other trucks, triggering an explosion that engulfed multiple vehicles in flames. Video footage captured from a distance showed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the accident site.

Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhankrota, Manish Gupta, described the situation:
“The fire engulfed several trucks. The exact number of vehicles involved is yet to be determined. Victims with burn injuries were rushed to hospitals by ambulances.”

A nearly 300-meter stretch of the highway was affected, halting traffic and causing long queues of stranded vehicles. A traffic corridor was quickly established to facilitate the transportation of injured victims to SMS Hospital in Jaipur.

Jaipur District Magistrate Jitendra Soni reported that around 40 vehicles were affected by the fire. He noted that most of the blaze had been brought under control, though the dense flames made it difficult for fire brigade teams to access the affected area.

“There were three petrol pumps nearby, but fortunately, they remained unaffected,” SHO Manish Gupta added.

More than 25 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, working tirelessly to transport victims to the hospital.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital to assess the situation and ensure proper medical care for the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to CM Sharma to discuss the incident and offer federal support.

SMS Medical College Principal Dr. Deepak Maheshwari confirmed, “Around 24-25 people have been admitted to the ICU. Several others are still arriving. It’s a severe accident.”

Expressing his condolences, CM Sharma posted on X:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the gas tanker fire on Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. I have directed doctors to provide immediate medical attention to the injured and instructed the administration to continue rescue efforts. I pray for the souls of the departed and the swift recovery of the injured.”

Separate Fire Incident in Jaipur

In an unrelated incident, a massive fire broke out at a market in Jaipur’s MI Road area on Wednesday evening, destroying three shops. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.

Hawa Singh, SHO of Jalupura Police Station, said the fire erupted around 8:15 PM, prompting locals to alert authorities.
“The fire brigade quickly controlled the blaze within an hour. While no one was hurt, three shops were damaged, and the extent of the losses is being assessed,” he said.

The twin fire incidents underscore the importance of safety protocols and emergency response preparedness. While the Jaipur-Ajmer highway tragedy highlights the risks of transporting hazardous materials, the swift action by authorities helped mitigate further damage and loss of life.