The death toll in the devastating explosion in an LPG tanker near Jaipur increased to 12 while at least 33 others were wounded, an official said on Friday, adding that most of the injured individuals sustained critical burn injuries.
The explosion happened at around 5.45 a.m. on Friday when a Bharat Petroleum tanker, en-route from Ajmer to Jaipur, attempted a U-turn but another truck approaching from the Jaipur side collided with the tanker. The collision went on to ignite a massive fire.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as flames erupted, with people abandoning their vehicles and fleeing in panic. However, many were unable to escape the inferno and were burned alive.
Others ran frantically on the road, their clothes ablaze, while others attempted to douse the flames.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing over 40 vehicles.
A sleeper bus trailing the tanker and a nearby pipe manufacturing factory were completely taken over by the raging flames.
Unfortunately, the main exit door of the bus got jammed, trapping the 34 passengers inside. Rescuers struggled to free them, eventually pulling survivors through the driver's door.
Nineteen bus passengers suffered severe burns, with many fatalities reported.
The charred remains were later collected and transported to the hospital after the fire was brought under control.
Local residents provided immediate assistance to the injured before emergency responders, including the fire brigade, police, and ambulance services, arrived at the scene.
The victims were rushed to Sawai Man Singh Hospital, located around 15 km from the accident site.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the site of the tanker accident at Bhankrota on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway on Friday.
He assessed the situation, gathered details of the incident from police and district administration officials, and instructed them to provide immediate assistance.
Additionally, he reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations at the spot.
While addressing the media, CM Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident, describing it as a grave incident.
He assured that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation.
Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, he prayed for their strength to endure the loss of their loved ones.
CM Sharma also announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured on behalf of the state government.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited Sawai Man Singh Hospital to check on the injured.
He instructed Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar and the hospital administration to ensure the best possible treatment for all the injured.
CM Sharma also prayed for their speedy recovery.
Colorful rally of Netaji Subhash Vidyaniketan dazzles in Agartala to mark Netaji’s birthday
Like every year, this year too, the colourful tableaus of Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan school here at Agartala rolled over the streets of the capital town and captivated all with its dazzling display of culture and heritage.
NCLAT stays CCI ban on WhatsApp, Meta evaluating next steps
Mark Zuckerberg-run Meta on Thursday said it welcomes the decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to stay the ban imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on WhatsApp and will evaluate next steps.
Delhi elections: Parties scale up poll campaign, top leaders to address rallies
With less than a fortnight to go for Delhi Assembly elections, the electioneering is reaching a feversish pitch with top leaders of respective parties hitting the streets to woo the electorate.
I-T raids on leading Tollywood filmmakers continue for third day
The raids were also continuing on the leading production houses Mythri Movie Makers and Mango Media. The department has not yet come out with a statement about the searches but it is believed that it identified a mismatch between the revenues earned by some recent movies and the income tax paid.
One of the greatest sons of Bharat Mata: Prez Murmu pays tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 127th birth anniversary, acknowledging his monumental role in India's freedom struggle and his enduring legacy.
India expects accountability on 2023 consulate attack in San Francisco: EAM Jaishankar
Nearly hours after meeting with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said that "India expects accountability" for the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in 2023 a "very serious matter" and those responsible to be held accountable.
Trump speaks with Saudi's Crown Prince, his first call with foreign leader since taking office
During the call, the Crown Prince congratulated Trump and conveyed the congratulations of King Salman to the President after being sworn in, wishing the American people further progress and prosperity.
Trump redesignates Iran-backed Houthi rebels as foreign terrorist organisation
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order designating Yemen's Houthi rebels as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), reversing a Biden-era policy that had removed the group from the State Department's list of global terror groups.