Major LPG Fire on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway Underlines Transport Safety Risks
A violent blaze erupted late Tuesday on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway near the Dudu area after a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) collided with another vehicle. The initial impact set off multiple gas cylinder explosions, creating a fire whose flames and loud blasts were visible and heard for kilometres, according to reports.
Response from Emergency Services
Police and fire brigades rushed to the scene, quickly halting traffic in both directions as rescue and firefighting operations began. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze and stabilize the situation, with on-ground teams indicating that the fire was brought under control by early morning. Ambulance services and medical teams were kept on standby as a precautionary measure given the hazardous nature of LPG releases.
Official Briefings and On-site Review
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered a rapid on-site assessment by Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa and local MLA Kailash Verma. In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the incident as tragic and stressed the need for swift relief measures and medical care for those affected. He urged the district administration to ensure proper treatment for the injured and to provide all necessary assistance to victims and families touched by the incident.
Dr. Bairwa later confirmed that relief and rescue operations were ongoing near the Sawarda culvert in Mojmabad, with police, administration, and fire department coordinating efforts. He noted that preliminary reports pointed to the LPG truck being struck from behind by another vehicle, a factor that led to the catastrophic fire. While the blaze has been controlled, officials emphasized the importance of thorough investigation to determine the exact sequence of events.
Traffic Management and Public Safety
As a precaution, authorities diverted traffic away from the affected stretch, and the SMS Hospital in the region was alerted to be ready for any emergencies. Local authorities emphasized that, despite the scale of the incident, there were no confirmed casualties reported so far, though the exact numbers were still under verification as the situation evolved through the night.
A Recurring Hazard on a Busy Corridor
This incident echoes a December accident on the same Jaipur-Ajmer route in which an LPG tanker collided with a truck near Bhankrota, resulting in a deadly fire that claimed several lives. The recurrence of such accidents raises questions about safety standards, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response readiness along this crucial highway.
What Comes Next
Authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive site assessment, identify any gaps in infrastructure or safety protocols, and review standard operating procedures for LPG shipments in the region. The incident is likely to prompt a review of traffic management, route planning for hazardous cargo, and enhanced coordination among police, fire services, and disaster management agencies. Community members and local businesses along the corridor await clarity on disruption timelines and safety assurances for future travel.
