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.
Tripura CM Saha holds key meeting with BJP, IPFT and TMP leaders
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday held an "important" meeting between the leaders of ruling BJP and its two allies – Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) and discussed various political and developmental issue, sources said.
HM Amit Shah's meeting sends a clear message: Not a drop of water to Pakistan
A high-level meeting was held on Friday at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The 45-minute meeting between the Home Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil focused on exploring ways to halt the flow of water to Pakistan.
Tripura: TMP chief urges Centre to adopt 'stronger policy' against B'desh
Ruling BJP’s ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder-chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Friday urged the Central government to adopt a stronger policy stance towards Bangladesh, accusing the neighbouring country of encouraging fundamentalist forces targeting Hindu minorities.
Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism
Ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Argentina, and Nepal met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday, expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam.
Tripura CM directs SPs and DMs to remain vigilant about Pakistani nationals
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday directed the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all eight districts to regularly share necessary inputs with the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding the presence of any Pakistani nationals in the state, officials said.
US supports India's 'hunt' for those behind 'horrific Islamist terrorist attack' in Pahalgam, says Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on Friday said that the United States supports India's "hunt" for the perpetrators of the "horrific Islamist terrorist attack" in Pahalgam that took place earlier this week.
Tehran stands ready to 'forge greater understanding' between India and Pakistan: Iran FM Araghchi
Citing its good relations with both India and Pakistan, Iran on Friday said that it stands ready to "forge greater understanding" between New Delhi and Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack, earlier this week.
PM Modi's action will act as deterrent against any fresh attempts to harm India: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday denounced the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting his staunch belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive action will act as a strong deterrent against any future attempts by terrorists to harm India.