Jaipur highway tragedy: Intense explosion burns birds alive; witnesses share harrowing accounts
PTC Web Desk: A devastating LPG tanker explosion near Delhi Public School in Jaipur on Friday morning left nine dead and more than 35 persons suffering severe burns. The blast, which occurred after a collision between the LPG tanker and a truck, also led to a passenger bus being engulfed in flames. As per reports, 20 passengers from the bus were injured, while 14 remain unaccounted for, including the driver and conductor. The intensity of the explosion caused flames so high that several birds were reportedly burned alive.
Numerous vehicles on the highway, including cars and motorcycles, caught fire, leading to the widespread chaos. Among the injured, one motorcyclist's helmet was reportedly fused to his face, leaving him with severe eye injuries. In a gruesome discovery, the body of a victim, whose torso was found without a head and legs, was sent to the hospital.
The accident occurred when an LPG tanker, filled with gas, was travelling from Ajmer to Jaipur. Near Bhankrota, the tanker made a U-turn in front of Delhi Public School. A truck coming from the opposite direction collided with the gas tanker's nozzle, causing approximately 18 tonne of LPG to leak into the air. This triggered a massive explosion, spreading fire across a 200-metre radius and igniting nearby vehicles.
According to officials from Gale India, there is also an oil pipeline situated 100 metre from the blast site, though it was reportedly unaffected by the explosion. The force of the blast was so powerful that it disrupted the area for several hours, with people reporting difficulty breathing and burning sensations in their eyes, even six hours later.
The tragic event also involved a sleeper bus, operated by Lake City Travel, which had departed from Udaipur at 9 pm on Thursday with 35 passengers aboard. The bus was expected to reach Jaipur by 6. 30 am on Friday, but the explosion occurred at 5.45 am. The fire trapped passengers inside as the bus door was locked, delaying their escape. The driver was reportedly the first to fall victim to the fire. Within a two to three-km radius, several other vehicles caught fire, and explosions continued for nearly an hour after the initial blast.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with many people running from the area while trying to remove burning clothes. Locals said several people fell unconscious due to the gas and heat.
Hundreds of birds were also found charred on the ground, and over 25 vehicles completely destroyed by the flames.
The police are investigating the cause of the collision and the subsequent explosion. Emergency response teams are providing medical treatment to the injured, while rescue operations are underway to locate the missing passengers and crew.
- With inputs from agencies
