Sat Dec 21 04:55:55 UTC 2024: ## Jaipur Highway Inferno Kills Nine, Injures Dozens
**Jaipur, Rajasthan –** A devastating collision involving an LPG tanker and multiple vehicles on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway early Friday morning resulted in at least nine deaths and over 40 injuries, with at least 28 victims listed in critical condition. The incident, which occurred around 5:30 am near a petrol pump, quickly escalated into a massive fire engulfing a 300-meter radius.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the LPG tanker exploded, creating a massive fireball that incinerated several vehicles. One eyewitness, who narrowly escaped the inferno with injuries to his friends, recounted the terrifying experience, stating he only avoided being caught in the flames by seconds. Another eyewitness, a school van driver, described seeing a man engulfed in flames and widespread panic as people fled the scene.
The initial collision involved a truck reportedly carrying chemicals which struck other vehicles before the LPG tanker ignited. The intensity of the blast was such that local residents reported seeing flames from over a kilometer away. The fire rapidly consumed numerous trucks, leaving several completely destroyed.
Authorities are still investigating the exact sequence of events, but CCTV footage shows the tanker exploding and a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky. Police and fire services responded, though initial access to the scene was hampered by the intensity of the fire and the resulting chaos.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed he had spoken with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma regarding the incident. He assured that local authorities are working to provide medical care to the injured. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
First Piper 