Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences to the families affected by the devastating fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan, which claimed at least seven lives. Announcing financial aid, PM Modi declared an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on the social media platform X: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
The incident occurred on Friday morning when a truck loaded with chemicals collided with an LPG tanker and several other vehicles, igniting a massive blaze. The accident took place near a petrol pump in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur. The superintendent of SMS Hospital Dr Sushil Kumar Bhati confirmed that seven people had died, with 10-12 others injured, many suffering burns exceeding 60%. Twenty-eight patients remain hospitalised, including six on ventilators.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the site and announced the establishment of a helpline and necessary arrangements for the injured. Amit Kumar, Superintendent of Police, described the accident as “horrific”, noting that nearly two dozen vehicles were engulfed in flames. Efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing.