The death toll from the devastating fire accident at Bhankrota on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway has risen to 14, with over 30 people injured. The tragedy unfolded early Friday morning when a Bharat Petroleum tanker, en route from Ajmer to Jaipur, attempted a U-turn and collided with an approaching truck. The impact caused a massive explosion, engulfing nearby vehicles and a pipe manufacturing factory in flames.
A sleeper bus trailing the tanker was severely affected. The main exit door jammed, trapping 34 passengers inside. Rescuers managed to pull survivors through the driver's door, but 19 passengers sustained severe burns, and fatalities continued to rise.
CCTV footage revealed haunting visuals of people running ablaze on the highway, while others desperately tried to extinguish the flames. Eyewitnesses described hearing repeated explosions and witnessing people jumping out of bus windows to escape.
PM Modi Condoles Loss, Announces Relief Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). In a statement on X, he conveyed condolences and assured ongoing assistance from the local administration.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Horror Survivors recounted the chaos and terror during the accident. One passenger described how he and several others escaped through a broken window after being trapped inside the burning bus. "The fire spread so quickly; it was impossible to understand what was happening," he said.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident, while rescue and relief operations are ongoing.

Jaipur Tanker blast fire death toll touches 14

Explosion after tanker collision leaves 14 dead, 30+ injured; PM Modi announces ex-gratia

Tragic Bhankrota Fire: Death Toll Rises to 14

Explosion after tanker collision leaves 14 dead, 30+ injured; PM Modi announces ex-gratia

December 21, 2024 | 10:59 IST