Jaipur Tanker Accident-Blast: Toll Jumps To 14, 30 Critical, SC Seeks Report

Jaipur: The toll in the LPG tanker accident-blast in Jaipur has risen to 14, officials stated on Saturday. Of the 80 injured in the massive blast that occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway a day before, about 30 are critical.

The fire broke out after a truck collided with an LPG-carrying tanker and caught fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, police said. Following the mishap, the tanker exploded and the fire then spread to the fuel pump in the Bhankrota area.

As the fire spread, many vehicles parked at the fuel station were also gutted. According to reports, the truck that hit the tanker was loaded with a chemical. At least 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

The Rajasthan government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, reported the India Today. The Central government also announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of the dead.

The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has directed the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on the accident. A high-level panel has been formed to thoroughly probe all aspects, including an examination of the road’s condition.

The top court has asked the report to be submitted by January 20. A police case has also been lodged.

Locals reported experiencing eye irritation and breathing difficulties due to the dense smoke in the area after the accident. Some also claimed that a few dead birds were spotted in the area. Additionally, a pipe factory located along the highway sustained damage.

The LPG tanker’s outlet nozzle was damaged in the initial collision, resulting in a gas leak that triggered a massive blaze, India Today report, quoting police sources, stated.