A catastrophic fire erupted on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway in India’s Rajasthan on Friday morning after a CNG truck carrying a hazardous chemical collided with other vehicles. The resulting fire led to the tragic loss of at least seven lives and injured 37 others. The collision happened in the vicinity of a petrol pump, which added to the seriousness of the incident. As many as 40 vehicles got charred that were parked in the proximity of the accident and people are feared to be trapped inside.

It has not been ascertained yet which chemical was being transported in the truck.

Preliminary media reports state that multiple fire tenders were dispatched on the scene of the accident and firefighting efforts are still going on. 25 ambulances were also rushed to the spot to transport victims to the nearby SMS hospital in Jaipur. The thick, toxic smoke billowing from the burning vehicles further complicated the rescue operation.  

Jaipur District Magistrate Jitendra Soni confirmed the grim toll, stating, "Eight people have died in the incident. Around 40 vehicles caught fire. Fire brigades and ambulances have reached the spot. The relief work is underway."

Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhankrota, Manish Gupta told local news agency that, “The fire has engulfed several trucks. The number of trucks involved in the incident is not clear. Some people with burn injuries have been rushed to hospitals in ambulances.”

Chief Minister of Rajasthan state Bhajanlal Sharma visited the SMS Hospital, where the injured were admitted, to oversee the medical response. He issued directives to ensure proper treatment and care for the victims.  

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with flames shooting high into the sky and thick smoke obscuring visibility. The accident led to significant traffic disruptions on the highway, causing long delays for motorists.

Local authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident and are working to determine the type of chemical being transported in the truck.

As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of life and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

This is a developing story; we will update this story as and when new information gets available.