Fri Dec 20 23:32:05 UTC 2024: ## Jaipur Gas Tanker Explosion Kills 12, Injures Dozens

**Jaipur, India** – A massive explosion involving an LPG tanker in Jaipur, India, on Friday morning resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to at least 32 others. The incident occurred around 5:44 AM when a Bharat Petroleum tanker, traveling from Ajmer to Jaipur, collided with a truck while attempting a U-turn near Delhi Public School.

The impact ruptured five nozzles on the tanker, causing a significant leak of approximately 18 tons of LPG. The ensuing fire and explosion engulfed a 200-meter radius, with the sound reportedly audible up to 1.5 kilometers away. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with people fleeing burning vehicles and many trapped in the inferno. A sleeper bus carrying 34 passengers was among the approximately 40 vehicles destroyed by the fire. The bus door was jammed against a truck, trapping passengers until rescue efforts freed them.

The intensity of the blaze hampered rescue operations, and several victims were found deceased and brought to the hospital in body bags. Local residents assisted in rescuing those trapped, before the arrival of fire crews, ambulances, and police. The fire was extinguished by midday, but power was cut to the area as a precaution.

Chief Minister Bhanwarlal Sharma visited the injured at Sawai Man Singh Hospital and the accident site, ordering a high-level investigation. The government announced compensation of ₹200,000 from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and an additional ₹500,000 from the state government for each victim’s family. Aerial footage showed the extent of the damage, with flames reaching 200 feet in height. The highway was closed for a significant period following the incident.

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