On December 20, 2024, a devastating LPG tanker explosion occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, resulting in the loss of 14 lives and injuries to over 80 people, of which at least 30 are in critical condition.
Tragic LPG tanker explosion in Jaipur: Details, response, and road safety concerns
Incident Details
The tragedy unfolded early in the morning when an LPG tanker, en route from Ajmer to Jaipur, attempted a U-turn and was struck from behind by an oncoming truck. This collision caused a gas leak, leading to a massive fireball that engulfed nearly 34 vehicles, including containers, trailers, trucks, and buses. Security camera footage captured the blast at 5:25 am, showing flames sweeping through the streets and structures.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing. One individual recounted seeing a man burning and described the scene as terrifying. more
Rescue and relief operations
Emergency teams faced many challenges in controlling the fire due to the combination of gas and flames. It took about eight hours to bring the fire under control. Rescue operations are underway, with officials engaged in identifying victims and assisting the injured.
Government response
In response to the tragedy, the state government announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an additional ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund more
Safety concerns
Experts have expressed concerns about the safety of the Jaipur-Ajmer road, citing inadequate construction, unexpected cuts, and a lack of traffic understanding as possible contributing factors to the disaster. They have proposed a comprehensive statewide road safety action plan to prevent similar disasters in the future.
For more details, you can check the following news report:
Conclusion
The LPG tanker explosion in Jaipur is a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety measures and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
