At least 8 burnt to death in CNG truck blast in Jaipur; 40 injured

At least eight people lost their lives in a massive fire following a collision involving a CNG tanker and other vehicles near a petrol pump on Ajmer Road, Jaipur. The fire broke out early this morning around 5:30 am, engulfing multiple vehicles parked nearby.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck carrying chemicals collided with the parked CNG tanker, leading to an explosion. The fire spread rapidly, leaving over 40 people injured, with 28 victims in critical condition, as per officials.

Eyewitnesses reported a series of explosions as the fuel tanks of nearby vehicles burst, adding to the intensity of the blaze. "The explosion was heard up to 10 kilometers away, and several vehicles within a 300-meter radius were completely burned," shared a local resident. Dramatic visuals of the incident showed towering flames and dense black smoke visible from kilometers away.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped. Ambulances rushed victims to nearby hospitals. Several drivers, caught in the blaze, suffered severe burns, while rescue teams continue to search for more casualties.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited SMS Hospital to meet the injured and oversee the treatment being provided. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this unfortunate incident. Rescue operations are ongoing, and all possible medical aid is being ensured for the injured," the Chief Minister stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Authorities, including Station House Officer (SHO) Manish Gupta, confirmed that multiple trucks and other vehicles were caught in the fire. "The exact number of vehicles involved is still unclear. Efforts to control the fire are underway," he said.