A major fire accident occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Wednesday when a truck loaded with LPG cylinders caught fire after colliding with another vehicle. The incident led to chaos and fear among travellers as thick smoke and flames rose from the burning truck, posing a high risk of explosion.

According to the Rajasthan Police, at least two to three persons, including the truck driver, sustained injuries in the incident. Emergency services, including the fire department and highway patrol, rushed to the spot immediately after the accident was reported.

The Incident

Eyewitnesses stated that the truck was moving at high speed when it reportedly lost control and rammed into another vehicle, leading to an intense impact. The collision triggered a fire, which quickly spread due to the presence of LPG cylinders in the truck’s cargo.

Local residents and passers-by were among the first to raise an alarm and call emergency services. Firefighters arrived promptly and began a massive operation to contain the blaze and prevent any of the LPG cylinders from exploding.

“Had the fire not been controlled in time, it could have led to a major disaster,” said a police officer from the Kishangarh police station, under whose jurisdiction the area falls.

Quick Response Prevents Disaster

Fire tenders from nearby towns including Ajmer and Kishangarh were deployed to extinguish the flames. The firefighters took over an hour to completely control the blaze, ensuring that no further cylinders ignited. The swift response by the fire department and police teams helped avert what could have been a catastrophic explosion on the busy national highway.

Traffic movement on the Jaipur-Ajmer route came to a standstill for several hours as authorities cordoned off the affected stretch. Vehicles were diverted through alternate routes to ensure public safety.

Paramedics and rescue workers provided first aid to the injured, who were later shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The condition of the truck driver is reported to be stable, though he suffered burn injuries and minor fractures.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

Officials from the Rajasthan Fire Department and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have been called in to determine the exact cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that the collision caused a spark or fuel leak, which ignited the truck’s load of LPG cylinders.

Police said a detailed investigation is underway to check for possible negligence, including overspeeding or vehicle malfunction. “We are verifying whether the truck followed all safety norms required for transporting hazardous materials like LPG,” an investigating officer stated.

Public Panic and Safety Concerns

The sudden fire triggered panic among locals and motorists travelling along the highway. Several videos shared by commuters showed flames shooting high into the air, with people keeping a safe distance fearing an explosion.

The Jaipur-Ajmer highway is one of Rajasthan’s busiest roads, connecting major industrial and commercial zones. Accidents involving trucks carrying flammable substances have raised growing concerns about road safety and enforcement of hazardous transport regulations.

Residents from nearby villages such as Makhupura and Saradhana reported feeling vibrations and hearing loud noises as the fire spread. Local police had to clear the area to prevent crowds from gathering too close to the site.

Statements from Authorities

In an official statement, the Rajasthan Police confirmed that two to three people were injured, including the driver of the LPG truck. The authorities praised the quick action of firefighters who managed to control the blaze before it reached the gas cylinders stacked in the lower compartment of the vehicle.

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has also been directed to conduct a safety inspection of the transport company involved in the incident to ensure compliance with national safety guidelines for LPG transport.

Traffic and Rescue Operations

Traffic police teams from Ajmer and Jaipur divisions managed the diversion of vehicles and cleared the route after ensuring it was safe. Several long-distance buses and private vehicles were delayed for hours due to the temporary road closure.

Rescue teams from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and local disaster response units joined the operation to remove debris and restore normal traffic flow.

By late evening, authorities confirmed that the fire had been completely extinguished, and the burnt truck was removed from the accident spot with the help of cranes.

Increasing Highway Accidents

The incident once again highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of transport safety standards for vehicles carrying hazardous goods. Experts note that trucks carrying LPG, fuel, or chemicals must be regularly inspected to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to fatal accidents.

According to government data, Rajasthan has witnessed a steady rise in road accidents involving heavy vehicles in the past two years, with highways like Jaipur-Ajmer and Jaipur-Kota being particularly prone to such incidents.

Public Reaction

Commuters took to social media expressing concern over frequent truck-related accidents and the lack of adequate highway safety measures. Many urged authorities to establish dedicated inspection zones for LPG and fuel-carrying vehicles before they enter high-traffic zones.

Conclusion

The Jaipur-Ajmer highway fire incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of road safety and emergency preparedness. While a major disaster was narrowly averted due to the prompt action of the police and fire brigade, the episode underscores the need for stricter regulations and regular vehicle checks to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials like LPG.

Authorities have assured that a detailed inquiry report will soon be prepared, and necessary preventive measures will be implemented to avoid such incidents in the future.

The injured are currently under medical observation, and their condition remains stable. Traffic has now been restored on the highway, but the burnt remains of the truck stand as a grim reminder of how a moment’s negligence can lead to a potential tragedy.

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