NEW DELHI: A truck laden with chemicals collided with an LPG tanker near Bankrota on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway early on Friday, sparking a fire that engulfed several vehicles, including a passenger bus including multiple vehicles.
Officials said the tragedy left at least nine people dead and more than 40 injured.
The accident occurred at around 5.30 am near a petrol pump, causing multiple explosions and the fire spreading 100 to 200 meters.
Passengers on the bus caught in the fire described harrowing scenes.
One survivor recalled: “My friends and I were on our way from Rajsamand to Jaipur when we heard a huge explosion.” “The bus door was locked, so we broke the window and jumped out. .”Those who couldn’t escape were trapped in the fire.”
Sushil Kumar Bhati, director of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, confirmed that 42 injured people have been admitted and seven deaths have been reported so far. “About 10 patients suffered severe burns, covering more than 60% of the area, and six of them required ventilators,” he added.
Union Minister Bhagirath Chaudhary called the incident a “very tragic incident” and noted that Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma was also present on site. The Union Home Minister is also in touch with the Chief Minister regarding the incident.
