Jaipur – A catastrophic collision involving an LPG tanker and a truck on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway has left 13 people dead and over 30 injured, prompting a high-level investigation by a special investigation team (SIT) of the Rajasthan Police. The LPG tanker driver, who fled the scene, remains untraceable, sparking a manhunt as authorities probe potential safety lapses and regulatory violations.
Timeline of the Incident The accident occurred at approximately 5:44 am on Friday when an LPG tanker, transporting gas from Mundra Port in Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh, attempted a U-turn near Bhankrota on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. A truck loaded with blankets and bedsheets, traveling in the opposite direction, collided with the tanker during the maneuver. The resulting inferno engulfed the area, causing severe casualties and destruction.
SIT Probe Focuses on Safety Failures The SIT is investigating whether the LPG tanker met regulatory safety standards. According to initial reports, safety valves and nozzles on the tanker failed under pressure, exacerbating the explosion’s impact. Authorities are now scrutinizing the tanker’s fitness certificates, safety mechanisms, and the condition of the valves before the collision.
“We need to determine if the nozzles and safety valves malfunctioned due to the collision or if there was a pre-existing flaw in the tanker’s design,” an SIT official stated. “Modern LPG tankers are equipped to handle shocks, but the immediate detachment of safety valves raises serious concerns.”
Driver’s Escape and Ongoing Manhunt Authorities revealed that the LPG tanker driver fled the accident site immediately after the crash. “The driver is the only person believed to have escaped uninjured. His absence complicates the investigation, and we are coordinating with transport companies to track him down,” said an SIT source.
The driver’s identity has been established, but repeated attempts to contact him have failed. Police have approached the tanker’s owner, and legal action is being considered if cooperation is not forthcoming.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Response In response to the incident, the SIT has requested regulatory documents from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) concerning LPG transportation protocols. Under The Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels Rules, 1981, stringent guidelines exist to ensure tankers withstand collisions and safeguard public safety.
Officials emphasized that drivers handling hazardous materials undergo specialized training, including emergency response and fire mitigation. “Drivers must be equipped to manage emergencies, but in this case, the driver fled, potentially due to the fear of an imminent explosion,” an official explained.
Public Safety and Legal Ramifications The tragic accident has spotlighted the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations involving hazardous material transport. Legal experts suggest that both the driver and the transport company could face charges if safety violations are confirmed.
“Negligence in the transport of petroleum products can have devastating consequences. We are ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families,” the SIT assured.
The investigation continues, with forensic teams reconstructing the accident sequence. Meanwhile, families of the victims await answers, hoping the probe leads to enhanced safety measures and accountability in the transport sector.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
