NewKerala.com

Key Points

A methanol-laden tanker overturned and caught fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway, killing the driver instantly. Panicked commuters abandoned vehicles as thick smoke engulfed the area, causing a massive traffic jam. Emergency teams struggled to control the blaze due to the flammable chemical spill. Authorities are investigating the accident while assessing safety risks from the spill.

Key Points: Driver Killed as Methanol Tanker Fire Shuts Jaipur-Ajmer Highway

  • Driver Rajendra Zinda died in the methanol-fueled blaze
  • Thick smoke visible from 300 metres forced evacuations
  • Traffic diverted as spill caused multi-kilometre jam
  • Authorities probe cause amid environmental concerns
2 min read

One killed as chemical tanker catches fire on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway

A chemical tanker carrying methanol overturned and burst into flames near Maukhampura, killing the driver and causing massive traffic chaos on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway.

"The tanker suddenly overturned and turned into a ball of fire. Everyone panicked. – Eyewitness"

Jaipur, June 25

A chemical tanker carrying methanol overturned and burst into flames on Wednesday near Maukhampura town on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway, resulting in the death of the driver and causing widespread chaos on the busy stretch.

According to Maukhampura Police, the deceased has been identified as Rajendra Zinda, the tanker driver, who died on the spot due to severe burns.

The intense fire engulfed the vehicle rapidly, and thick smoke was seen from over 300 metres away, prompting nearby drivers to stop and run for safety.

In a state of panic, many commuters left their vehicles on the highway and ran into nearby fields, fearing a possible explosion due to the chemical spill.

Eyewitnesses, heading towards Jaipur, said, "The tanker suddenly overturned and turned into a ball of fire. Everyone panicked. We stopped our car and ran back to save ourselves. Thankfully, no other lives were lost."

Methanol, a highly flammable substance, spilt across the road, further complicating firefighting efforts.

Emergency services, including the fire brigade and police, rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

A police team said that traffic on the National Highway had to be diverted to a single lane, and efforts were made to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.

The accident resulted in a traffic jam stretching several kilometres. There was a scene of panic among commuters, causing a multi-kilometre traffic jam. The blaze, fueled by methanol, forced several motorists to abandon their vehicles and flee to safety.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the tanker's overturning and are evaluating environmental and safety concerns due to the chemical spill.

On December 20, 2024, over 20 people were killed after a massive fire broke out on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in the Bhankrota area when an LPG tanker collided with a truck.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is so tragic! 😔 My heart goes out to the driver's family. These highways have become death traps with so many accidents happening frequently. Authorities need to enforce stricter safety checks for tankers carrying hazardous materials.
R
Rahul S.
Just last year we had that terrible LPG tanker accident on the same highway. When will we learn? Transport companies must invest in better driver training and vehicle maintenance. This is unacceptable!
A
Arjun M.
The environmental impact of methanol spill is concerning too. That area has farms nearby - hope the chemicals haven't contaminated the soil. Authorities should conduct proper testing.
S
Sunita P.
Om Shanti for the departed soul 🙏. I travel this route often for work. The highway needs better emergency response systems - more fire stations, ambulances on standby. Reaction time is crucial in such cases.
V
Vikram J.
While the accident is unfortunate, I must say the panic reaction of people leaving vehicles on the highway made things worse. We need more public awareness about how to respond to such emergencies safely.
N
Neha T.
The truck driver community works in such risky conditions daily with little recognition. Government should provide better insurance and support for their families in such tragedies. Safety gear should be mandatory too!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50