LPG Tanker Explosion on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway Kills 14, Over 80 Injured

A deadly explosion on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway has killed 14 people, with the number of deaths likely to rise. Over 80 others were injured, and 30 of them are in critical condition. The explosion happened early on Friday morning, and 14 people are still missing.

The explosion was caused when a truck crashed into an LPG tanker that was making a U-turn. The crash caused a gas leak, which then sparked a huge fireball. The fire quickly spread, destroying 34 vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers. The blast was so powerful that it was captured on security cameras at 5:25 am, showing flames sweeping through the area.

Jaipur police commissioner Biju George Joseph said, “The tanker was heading from Ajmer to Jaipur and was hit by a truck while making a U-turn. This caused the gas leak, which led to the fire.”

Rescue teams are still searching for survivors. Firefighters had a tough time controlling the fire for several hours because of the gas leak and the flames. It took them almost eight hours to put the fire out. By the time the fire brigade arrived at 6 am, the area was already destroyed.

Witnesses said the scene was terrifying. “I saw a man burning. It was horrible,” said a school van driver who was nearby.

The highway has been closed for investigation and cleanup. Authorities are asking people to stay away from the area. The blast was so strong that the bodies of the truck and tanker drivers were almost completely destroyed. “The explosion reduced the bodies to ashes,” said a mortuary official.

Many people are still in critical condition, with some suffering severe burns. Hospitals are being prepared for more patients. Deepak Maheshwari, principal of SMS Medical College, said that 32 people are in critical condition, with some on ventilators.

The state government has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹1 lakh for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also promised ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund for the victims' families. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is still ongoing.