Massive Fire on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway
December 20, 2024, turned out to be a black day for Jaipur. A CNG tanker explosion in the Bhankrota area on Friday morning shook the entire region. This tragic incident claimed eight lives and left over 42 people injured. The event not only alarmed the local administration but also shook the nation.
How Did the Incident Happen?
The primary cause of the accident is reported to be an improper road cut. Eyewitnesses mentioned that this cut has been the site of several accidents in the past. Sandeep Singh Rathore, an eyewitness, stated that had the issue been addressed earlier, this disaster could have been avoided. During the accident, a bus was completely engulfed in flames, and the explosion from the CNG tanker was so massive that over 40 nearby vehicles were reduced to ashes.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Immediately after the incident, the local administration initiated relief efforts. Over 300 civil defense personnel were deployed at the site. The injured were rushed to Jaipur's SMS Hospital, where 42 people are currently receiving treatment. Police Commissioner Biju Joseph stated that efforts to clear the road and restore traffic are underway at a rapid pace.
Condition of the Injured
The SMS Hospital administration released a list of injured individuals, many of whom are in critical condition. Helpline numbers were also issued to assist affected families. Some of the injured include:
Govind Narayan (33)
Sandeep (30)
Vanjita (23)
Radheshyam Chaudhary (32)
Shailendra (35)
Administrative Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a tweet, he prayed for the peace of the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Chief Minister Bhajanlal also visited the accident site and assured every possible assistance to the victims' families.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that the accident was so severe that passengers sleeping in the sleeper bus didn’t even get a chance to wake up. The fire spread so rapidly that there was no escape. Local residents also questioned the administration’s negligence and demanded immediate correction of the road cut issue.
Government Actions
In light of increasing accidents on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway, the administration has announced immediate measures to improve traffic management at sensitive locations. The Chief Minister has also promised financial assistance for the injured and compensation for the families of the deceased.
Lessons from the Incident
The Jaipur fire tragedy once again highlights the dire consequences of neglecting road safety. This incident underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to road safety regulations.
Conclusion
The horrific accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway left many families devastated and impacted dozens of lives. This tragedy serves as a warning to both the administration and the public that road safety should never be overlooked. It is hoped that lessons from this incident will prompt the authorities to take strong measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
