A tragic gas tanker crash in Jaipur has resulted in 11 fatalities. Local residents reported breathing difficulties, and several birds were discovered dead nearby, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts and safety measures in the area.
The tragic gas tanker accident in Jaipur has escalated the death toll to 11, with a staggering 37 vehicles igniting in flames as a result of the incident. Reports indicate that 27 individuals have been hospitalized at the SMS Hospital in Jaipur, with many suffering from critical injuries. Another injured person is receiving treatment at a private medical facility.
This catastrophic event unfolded around 5:30 AM on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway when a CNG tanker, which was stationed near a petrol station, erupted in flames following a collision involving a truck that struck several other vehicles. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene rife with chaos and terror as explosions erupted in rapid succession. One witness recounted, "Fire engulfed the area surrounding the bus. We were trapped inside as the bus doors were sealed, so we had no choice but to shatter the window and leap to safety, especially with a petrol station so close by."
After the disaster, officials confirmed that five individuals were pronounced dead upon arrival at the SMS Medical College and Hospital, while five more succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Another fatality was reported from the Jaipuria Hospital, as stated by Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, the principal of SMS Medical College, in an exchange with PTI.
In response to this heart-wrenching event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The Prime Minister's Office conveyed this information via a post on X, ensuring support from the PMNRF for the impacted families. Additionally, the Rajasthan government has extended financial aid of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured, highlighting the immediate steps being taken to alleviate the suffering caused by this calamity.
Efforts to manage the situation included establishing a 'green corridor' from the site of the accident to SMS Hospital, facilitating expedited transport for the injured. Initially, the wreck led to significant disruption along a nearly 300-meter stretch of the highway, resulting in lengthy traffic delays that compounded throughout the day. As hours passed, the congestion intensified, necessitating traffic diversions to alleviate the bottleneck on this essential arterial road.
Local residents have reported various distressing symptoms, including itching in their eyes and difficulties in breathing, attributed to the smoke emanating from the accident site. There have also been alarming reports of wildlife casualties, with some birds found dead in the surrounding area, as documented by PTI.
Comments 0