The Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway has been the scene of a devastating LPG tanker explosion on December 20, 2024, with the death toll now tragically reaching 19 as more victims succumb to their injuries. What began as just another busy day turned chaotic when an LPG tanker collided with a truck, igniting massive flames and transforming the area around DPS School on Ajmer Road.
Dr. Rakesh Jain from Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital reported the unfortunate deaths, noting how the situation has escalated over the past few days. The incidents led to immediate and tragic consequences, as emergency responders fought against time to save those caught up in the inferno.
One of the latest victims, 28-year-old Lalaram, had been battling severe burn injuries for days before passing away. He suffered 60% burns resulting from the explosion and had been on ventilator support. His friend Ramavtar shared heart-wrenching details about Lalaram's last moments, stating, "He was on his way to work on a motorcycle when he got trapped in the fire." Tragic tales like Lalaram's outline the human cost of the accident.
The fire from the collision was so intense it engulfed over 40 vehicles, resulting not just in fatalities at the scene but also leading to multiple hospital admissions. Initial reports indicated 11 deaths on the day of the explosion, with the numbers rising as more information emerged. A notable casualty was 22-year-old Vinita who had alter plans to travel by bus—ultimately paying the price for her last-minute change of heart when the bus she was on was also caught up in the flames.
Most of the victims were reported to have suffered from severe burn injuries, some as high as 70%. Unfortunately, as the recovery efforts continue, doctors have confirmed persistent treatments for survivors. Currently, 11 patients remain hospitalized. The emotional toll on families is immense, with many left grappling with sudden and irrevocable loss.
Among those treated at SMS Hospital, some have faced additional challenges. Victims like 36-year-old Vijendra and 35-year-old Banshilal have also been identified as fatalities following their admission to the hospital. All three patients who succumbed recently had suffered extreme burns and succumbed to injuries between December 25 and 26, hinting at the ferocity of the fire they faced.
Investigation reports indicate the driver of the tanker, Jaiveer Singh, survived the incident. “Without wasting time, I started running,” he recounted, sharing the turmoil and fear he experienced even as he attempted to prevent greater disaster from occurring.
Authorities are working frantically to make sense of how such unprecedented disaster struck so suddenly. Eyewitnesses noted how the flames shot up like 'a ball of fire,' creating immediate panic among those on the highway, including unsuspecting travelers just going about their day.
The community response is one of grief and urgent calls for improved road safety measures. Local leaders and residents alike are pushing for thorough investigations and preventive measures to avert any future tragedies.
The tragic series of events surrounding the Jaipur LPG tanker explosion serves as somber reminder about the nature of transportation safety and the consequences of industrial accidents. The hope is for lessons to be made from this devastating incident and for steps to be taken to improve the safety of the roads to protect lives.
