At Least Nine Killed, Many Critical In Massive Fire After Chemical-Laden Truck Collides With Other Vehicles On Jaipur-Ajmer Highway

At least nine people were killed and over 40 others injured after a truck hit a tanker carrying chemicals and caught fire in front of Delhi Public School on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway on Friday (20 December).

Manuy of the injured people are said to be in "very critical" condition.

The blaze from the collision sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with flames visible from about a kilometre away.

The accident disrupted a 300-metre stretch of the highway, creating a massive traffic jam.

CCTV recordings captured fire engulfing a property within minutes of the gas tanker colliding with several vehicles, turning the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno on Friday morning.

Visuals showed flames engulfing a residence near the highway, leaving a trail of destruction in the property.

Other visuals depicted streets filled with smoke, followed by an explosion and fire.

Emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks, quickly arrived at the scene as the fire destroyed at least 30 vehicles.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to ascertain details of passengers on board a bus that behind the gas tanker when the accident occurred.

Damage caused by the fire to the establishments along the highway is also being determined.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar visited SMS Hospital, where more than 40 injured people are undergoing treatment.

Khimsar told reporters that nearly half of the injured brought to the hospital were in very critical condition, NDTV reported.

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