8 Dead and Over 40 Injured in Devastating Fire after Truck Collision in Jaipur

At least eight people have been killed in a devastating fire that erupted early on Saturday morning following a truck collision outside a petrol pump on Ajmer Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The incident, which occurred around 5:30 AM, involved a CNG tanker that caught fire after a truck collided with several other vehicles parked nearby. The people injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.

According to officials, more than 40 people were injured in the blaze, with at least 28 in critical condition. The explosion was so powerful that it caused multiple vehicles within a 300-meter radius to burst into flames, with reports indicating several drivers sustained severe burn injuries. The blast could be heard up to 10 kilometers away, and there were repeated explosions as fuel tanks on the trucks caught fire.

Preliminary investigations suggest the truck involved in the collision was carrying chemicals. "The fire has engulfed several trucks. The exact number of trucks involved is still unclear. Some people with burn injuries have been taken to hospitals," said Manish Gupta, Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhankrota.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences, announcing a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died, and ₹50,000 for the injured. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway. My condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured," the Prime Minister said in a statement.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her sorrow, calling the loss of life "very painful" and praying for the recovery of the injured. "I pray to God for peace to the departed souls and strength to their families," she said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet the victims and offer his condolences. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the casualties from the gas tanker fire incident. The local administration and emergency services are working with full readiness. I pray for strength for the bereaved families and a speedy recovery for the injured," he said.