Fire breaks out outside petrol pump in Jaipur after collision between multiple vehicles; 5 people died, 35 injured

pc: ndtv

At least five people died in a massive fire that broke out after a truck collided outside a petrol pump in Jaipur, Rajasthan this morning. The incident occurred around 5.30 am on Ajmer Road, when a CNG tanker parked near a petrol pump caught fire after a truck collided with other vehicles. According to officials, several more people are feared dead, while 35 others have been injured. Officials said many of the victims were in critical condition.

At present, efforts are being made to extinguish the fire, which has engulfed several vehicles parked nearby. The victims are being taken to hospital and rescue operations are underway. According to the report of news agency IANS, the explosion was so severe that many vehicles within a radius of 300 meters were hit by it and were completely burnt. Several drivers were reportedly burnt in the incident, some of whom are in critical condition. Visuals from the incident show a massive fire with a cloud of black smoke rising above it – which can be seen from several kilometers away.

According to local people, the sound of the explosion was heard up to 10 kilometers away. Reportedly, there were also repeated explosions due to bursting of fuel tanks.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the truck which hit the other vehicles was allegedly loaded with chemicals.

Bhankrota Station House Officer (SHO) Manish Gupta told news agency PTI, “The fire has engulfed several trucks. The number of trucks involved in the incident is not clear. Some people who have burnt have been evacuated by ambulance.” Has been taken to hospital.”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached the hospital to meet the victims and expressed condolences over the loss of life and property in the incident.

In a post on Twitter, the Chief Minister said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of civilian casualties in the gas tanker fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. As soon as the Chief Minister got information about the incident, he reached SMS Hospital and consulted the doctors. Instructions were given to immediately provide necessary medical facilities and take proper care of the injured. Rescue work is going on by the administration.

He said, “The local administration and emergency services are working with full alertness. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls, to give strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense loss and to give speedy recovery to the injured.” Heal.”

In another incident earlier this week, the drivers of two trucks caught fire after a collision in Rajasthan's Nagaur district. Officials said traffic on the highway was stopped until the fire was extinguished.