Truck carrying LPG cylinders collides with tanker on Jaipur-Ajmer highway, one killed in deadly fire

An LPG gas cylinder-laden truck caught fire after colliding with a tanker on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway at Mauzmabad area in Rajasthan's Jaipur district on Tuesday night. The gas cylinders began to burst following the collision, resulting in multiple explosions. 

As many as 200 cylinders exploded and could be seen from several meters away, while the flames and explosions were visible and audible from almost 10 km distance, lasting for nearly two hours. 

According to the police, one person has been killed in the accident. Two to three persons, including the tanker driver, were injured, as reported by Jaipur IG Rahul Prakash. 

According to the initial information gathered from CMHO Jaipur-I Ravi Shekhawat, the driver of the offending vehicle is actually receiving primary treatment at a nearby hospital. After seeking directions from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa arrived at the scene and stated that the situation was now under control. 

The CM called the accident "extremely tragic", as he promised cooperation and assistance from the administration to all those affected. He said in his X post, "Fire brigade and disaster management teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations at the site. The district administration has been instructed to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and to provide all possible assistance to those affected. I pray to God for the safety and well-being of all citizens impacted by this heart-wrenching incident." 

Traffic on the highway was halted for several hours, and police officials and fire brigades reached the site to ensure safety and control. Senior police officials, as well as the district administration officers, were also present. 

Bairwa told the media that the drivers and cleaners of the trucks were missing, and the police are trying to locate them. CMHO Shekhawat also stated that all arrangements were made in the SMS Hospital to give treatment to the injured. 

Some of the eyewitnesses present at the scene said that the truck, which was carrying LPG cylinders, was parked outside a roadside hotel while the driver was having his meal. One of them stated, "A tanker hit the truck carrying LPG cylinders from behind. The driver of the tanker was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries." 

Truck driver Shahrukh, who survived, said, "My truck was destroyed in the fire. The chemical tanker driver saw the RTO vehicle and, trying to avoid it, swerved toward the dhaba. That's when he collided with the truck." 

Earlier in December 2024, an LPG tanker collided with a truck near Bhankrota in Jaipur on this highway, with the fire killing 19 people.