New CCTV footage has emerged showing the harrowing aftermath of the tragic collision between a gas tanker and several vehicles on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday morning. The crash, which triggered a massive fire, turned the highway into a raging inferno and claimed at least 11 lives. The intense flames spread rapidly, engulfing a nearby house and causing widespread devastation.
The footage reveals flames visible from almost a kilometer away, with dense black smoke filling the sky as the fire continued to spread. The explosion and resulting fire affected nearly 300 meters of the highway, leaving a long line of vehicles stranded in the chaos. The fire also destroyed at least 30 vehicles, adding to the scale of the disaster.
In addition to the highway damage, the fire reached a house close to the accident site, completely destroying it. Additional visuals from the scene showed a street filled with smoke, followed by a blast and flames, capturing the terrifying scale of the disaster.
Rescue and Medical Efforts Intensify
As emergency teams rushed to the scene, fire department trucks and ambulances worked tirelessly to control the flames and assist the injured. Over 40 individuals were rushed to SMS Hospital, with nearly half in critical condition. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar confirmed that doctors and hospital staff were fully mobilized to manage the situation, including opening additional wards to accommodate the victims.
A “green corridor” was established between SMS Hospital and the accident site to expedite the transport of the injured. Khimsar stated, “All doctors, resident doctors, and nursing staff were called in to manage the situation. Some victims were initially treated at nearby hospitals before being transferred.”
Authorities Respond to the Tragedy
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed deep concern over the incident. CM Sharma visited SMS Hospital to ensure prompt medical care for the injured. He shared his sorrow on social media, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the gas tanker fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. I visited the SMS Hospital immediately and directed the doctors to provide all necessary medical care to the injured.”
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and other officials also visited the crash site to assess the situation and begin investigations. Authorities are working to identify the people aboard a bus that was following the petrol tanker during the collision and are evaluating the damage to nearby establishments.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the cause of the crash and the identities of those affected continues, with authorities focusing on determining the exact sequence of events that led to the massive explosion and fire. As the rescue and recovery operations continue, the community remains in shock over the devastating accident that has left the Jaipur-Ajmer highway a scene of destruction.
