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 Govt seeks Rs 150 Cr from Centre for developing tourism: Minister Sushanta Chowdhury
Aiming to further boost the tourism sector in the state, the Tripura government has submitted a proposal of Rs 150 crore to the Centre, said minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Thursday.
Tripura Govt plans to open Goshalas in 8 districts to house rescued cows: Minister Sudhangshu Das
The state animal resource development department minister Sudhangshu Das on Thursday inaugurated a day long sensitization cum seminar of animal welfare acts, rules and laws here at Agartala Pragna Bhavan
Tripura Journalists Union to honour women journalists to mark International Women’s Day
As part of the observance of International Women’s Day on March 8 next, the Tripura Journalists Union (TJU) on Thursday announced to hounour at least 65 women journalists of the state with ‘Ananya Sangbad Yodhya Sanmanana 2025’.
National Lok Adalat on March 8, over 20k cases to be taken up
Member Secretary of the Tripura State Legal Services Authority, Jhuma Dutta Chowdhury said apart from the Tripura High Court, the Lok Adalat will take place in all district and sub-division court premises of the state.
Candidate from Tripura secures nursing job in Japan
The Directorate of Skill Development, Government of Tripura in collaboration with NSDC International have taken initiative to facilitate employment of youths from Tripura in the international job market.
Three held with Yaba tablets worth Rs 5 Crore in Agartala city
Tripura Police have arrested three persons and seized yaba tablets worth over Rs 5 crore from the Maheskhala area in Agartala city in the early hours of Thursday.
Mukhyamantri Samipeshu: CM Manik Saha extends assistance to people
In the 38th edition of the Mukhyamantri Samipeshu, citizens from various parts of the state met Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha to seek assistance regarding their grievances and issues.
CM visits TIPRA Motha President BK Hrangkhawl in Hospital
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today visited TIPRA Motha Party President and veteran leader Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl, who is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Agartala following an illness.