Jaipur: A tragic accident involving a truck carrying hazardous chemicals led to a devastating fire on the Jaipur-Kota highway on Monday night, claiming five lives and leaving 37 injured. The incident occurred when the chemical-laden truck collided with multiple vehicles, triggering a massive blaze that engulfed the surrounding area.
The Incident
The collision happened late in the evening near the Tonk district. The truck, transporting flammable chemicals, lost control and crashed into several other vehicles, including passenger cars and trucks. The impact caused an explosion, followed by an inferno that quickly spread across the accident site.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people trapped in vehicles engulfed in flames. Emergency services were rushed to the spot, but the intensity of the fire posed challenges to rescue efforts.
Casualties and Injuries
- Deaths: Five individuals lost their lives on the spot, with charred remains making identification difficult.
- Injuries: 37 people sustained injuries, with many suffering from severe burns. They were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several in critical condition.
The exact number of affected vehicles is yet to be determined, as some were reduced to ashes in the blaze.
Rescue Operations
Local authorities and fire services worked tirelessly to douse the fire and rescue victims. A hazardous material team was also deployed to manage the chemical spill, which posed risks of further explosions and environmental contamination.
Police and disaster management officials cordoned off the area, diverting traffic to prevent further mishaps.
Investigation Underway
Initial investigations suggest that negligence by the truck driver, possibly due to over-speeding or a mechanical failure, could have led to the accident. Authorities are also probing whether safety protocols for transporting hazardous chemicals were followed.
The state government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident. A report is expected within the next few days to ascertain the cause and identify measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
Government Response
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the tragedy and announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He assured stringent action against those found responsible for the accident.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked concerns over the safety measures for transporting hazardous materials. Citizens and activists have called for stricter regulations and better infrastructure to prevent such accidents on highways.
Citizen News Daily will continue to update readers as more information becomes available.
