5 dead as LPG tanker crash triggers inferno in Jaipur

A fatal collision involving an LPG tanker and several vehicles turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Jaipur into an inferno on Friday morning, killing five people, injuring 37 and engulfing more than 30 vehicles in flames as Thick black smoke filled the sky.

IMAGE: Rescue operations underway after the accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway. Photography: ANI on

Eyewitnesses reported spotting the flames more than a kilometer away and ambulances and firefighters rushed to the crash area as panic and chaos set in.

A school van driver who was picking up students described in horror the sight of a man engulfed in flames.

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph said PTI that five people lost their lives and 37 were injured in the accident.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to SMS Hospital, where the injured were admitted, spoke to administration officials and doctors and gave instructions to ensure proper treatment be made easier. He also went to the scene of the accident and spoke to police.

In a Hindi message on As soon as the information about the incident was received, I went to SMS Hospital and directed the doctors to provide immediately necessary medical facilities and take care of the injured.

Sharma, Governor Haribhau Bagade and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the accident.

Bhankrota police station in-charge Manish Gupta said it was difficult to control the fire initially.

“At first, the firefighters were unable to reach the burning vehicles. There are three petrol pumps in the area but fortunately they are safe,” he added.

More than 25 ambulances transported the victims to hospital.

A busy stretch of highway of almost 300 meters was affected by the accident, resulting in a long line of vehicles.

Police officials said the fire also ravaged some establishments along the highway and details of the actual losses were not yet clear.

The school van driver said PTI that the flames were visible a kilometer away and that there was panic and chaos on the highway.

“As I approached the place, I saw people running hurriedly and shouting for help. I saw a man engulfed in flames. It was a frightening scene. Firefighters and ambulances were there but it was difficult for them to reach the place at first,” he said.