The death toll from the devastating LPG tanker collision on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway has climbed to 14, with more than 30 people currently receiving treatment for severe burn injuries, officials confirmed Saturday.
Accident Details
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of December 20 when a truck collided with an LPG tanker collision near the Bhankrota area of Jaipur. The impact triggered a massive fire, engulfing over 35 vehicles along the busy highway. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but the scale of destruction left many charred vehicles and bodies at the scene.
"Tragic explosion on Jaipur Ajmer Highway as LPG tanker catches fire, claiming lives and causing severe injuries. #JaipurTragedy #AjmerHighway #SafetyFirst #RajasthanNews #LPGExplosion #CCTV pic.twitter.com/Xrz6S39Urq
— Journalist javed (@ourjaved) December 20, 2024
Rescue and Medical Response
Dr. Sushil Bhati, Superintendent of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, reported that five bodies were recovered initially, with an additional eight succumbing to their injuries, raising the toll to 14. Twenty-seven patients remain admitted to SMS Hospital, with seven placed on ventilator support due to critical conditions. One victim’s body was taken to another hospital for further examination.
#ajmerroada horrible accident in which 5 people were burnt 🔥 alive & 35 injured when a chemical tanker exploded in front of Delhi public school in Bhankrota on Ajmer highway in Jaipur
— 💝🌹💖🇮🇳jaggirmRanbir🇮🇳💖🌹💝 (@jaggirm) December 20, 2024
There was a collision between LPG & CNG trucks
pray to God to give strength to the families pic.twitter.com/PdGTIkLBDH
“Five bodies are yet to be identified,” Dr. Bhati stated, adding that forensic teams are working to establish the identities of the deceased.
Critical Condition of Victims
Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar emphasized the severity of the injuries, noting that nearly half of the admitted patients are in critical condition. The burn unit at SMS Hospital is operating at full capacity, providing specialized care to the victims.
Eyewitness Accounts and Official Statements
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction as flames rapidly spread across the highway. Visuals from the site revealed smoldering wreckage and firefighters battling the blaze to prevent further casualties.
The authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident, with preliminary reports indicating that the collision between the truck and the tanker ignited the inferno.
Government Action and Support
The state government has assured full medical support to the victims and is coordinating with rescue teams to expedite relief efforts. Compensation plans for the victims’ families are expected to be announced following the conclusion of the investigation.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
