Jaipur LPG tanker blast toll rises to 14, 30 critical, compensation announced

The death toll from the LPG tanker accident-blast in Jaipur has risen to 14, officials said on Saturday. Of the 80 injured in the massive blast that occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday, at least 30 are in critical condition.

The LPG tanker collided with a truck, igniting a massive fire that engulfed the area in an inferno, with at least 37 vehicles going up in flames. The highway was reopened later that night after all vehicles were cleared. The Rajasthan government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. The Central government has also announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives,

The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has directed the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on the incident. A high-level committee has been constituted to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the accident, including an in-depth examination of the road’s construction, if applicable.

The top court has set a deadline of January 20 for the submission of the report. Additionally, a police case has been registered. The incident occurred on Friday at approximately 5.30 am when an LPG tanker’s outlet nozzle was damaged in the initial collision, resulting in a gas leak that triggered a massive blaze, police said.

The gas leak rapidly spread the fire, giving those in nearby vehicles little chance to escape. Witnesses reported seeing people desperately running and removing clothes engulfed in flames. A green corridor was set up to rush the injured into hospitals.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the injured at the hospitals, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Chief Minister to enquire about the situation.

The fire damaged 37 vehicles, including several trailers, trucks, containers, two buses, multiple pickup trucks and motorcycles, an autorickshaw, and seven cars. A private bus gutted in a fire had no permit, according to an official from the Regional Transport Office.

Locals reported experiencing eye irritation and breathing difficulties due to the dense smoke. Some also noted finding a few dead birds in the area. Additionally, a pipe factory located along the highway sustained damage in the incident.